the following reaction occurs in a cars catalytic converter. 2no(g) + 2co(g) → n₂(g) + 2co₂(g) which answer…

the following reaction occurs in a cars catalytic converter. 2no(g) + 2co(g) → n₂(g) + 2co₂(g) which answer best describes the reducing and oxidizing processes in this reaction? no and co are both reducing agents. no and co are both oxidizing agents. the oxidation state of nitrogen in no changes from +2 to 0, and the oxidation state of carbon in co changes from +2 to +4 as the reaction proceeds. the oxidation state of nitrogen in no changes from 0 to +2, and the oxidation state of carbon in co changes from +4 to +2 as the reaction proceeds.
Answer
Explanation:
Step1: Define oxidizing and reducing agents
Oxidizing agents gain electrons and are reduced (decrease in oxidation - state). Reducing agents lose electrons and are oxidized (increase in oxidation - state).
Step2: Determine oxidation states in NO
In NO, oxygen has an oxidation state of - 2. Let the oxidation state of nitrogen be (x). Using the rule that the sum of oxidation states in a neutral compound is 0, we have (x+( - 2)=0), so (x = + 2). In (N_2), the oxidation state of nitrogen is 0. So nitrogen in NO is reduced ((+2\rightarrow0)).
Step3: Determine oxidation states in CO
In CO, oxygen has an oxidation state of - 2. Let the oxidation state of carbon be (y). Using the rule that the sum of oxidation states in a neutral compound is 0, we have (y+( - 2)=0), so (y = + 2). In (CO_2), oxygen has an oxidation state of - 2. Let the oxidation state of carbon be (z). Then (z + 2\times(-2)=0), so (z=+4). So carbon in CO is oxidized ((+2\rightarrow+4)).
Step4: Identify oxidizing and reducing agents
Since CO is oxidized, it is the reducing agent. Since NO is reduced, it is the oxidizing agent. The correct statement about oxidation - state changes is that the oxidation state of nitrogen in NO changes from + 2 to 0, and the oxidation state of carbon in CO changes from + 2 to + 4 as the reaction proceeds.
Answer:
The oxidation state of nitrogen in NO changes from + 2 to 0, and the oxidation state of carbon in CO changes from + 2 to + 4 as the reaction proceeds.