Question

oxygen is acting as an oxidizing agent in all of the following reactions except
a. $ce{2 c(s) + o_{2}(g) -> 2 co(g)}$
b. $ce{s(s) + o_{2}(g) -> so_{2}(g)}$
c. $ce{2 f_{2}(g) + o_{2}(g) -> 2 of_{2}(g)}$
d. $ce{2 na(s) + o_{2}(g) -> na_{2}o_{2}(s)}$
e. $ce{2 mg(s) + o_{2}(g) -> 2 mgo(s)}$

Explanation:

Step1: Define oxidizing agent role

An oxidizing agent gains electrons, so its oxidation number decreases.

Step2: Find O oxidation number in reactants

In $\text{O}_2$, oxidation number of O is $0$.

Step3: Check O oxidation number in products for each reaction

Reaction A:

In $\text{CO}$, O has oxidation number $-2$.[LLM SSE On Failure]

Answer:

Step1: Define oxidizing agent role

An oxidizing agent gains electrons, so its oxidation number decreases.

Step2: Find O oxidation number in reactants

In $\text{O}_2$, oxidation number of O is $0$.

Step3: Check O oxidation number in products for each reaction

Reaction A:

In $\text{CO}$, O has oxidation number $-2$.[LLM SSE On Failure]