The following reaction occurs in a car's catalytic converter.
[tex]2 NO(g)+2 CO(g) \longrightarrow N_2(g)+2 CO_2(g)[/tex]
Which answer best describes the reducing and oxidizing processes in this reaction?
A. NO and CO are both reducing agents.
B. NO and CO are both oxidizing agents.
C. 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.
D. 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 (1)
Determine the oxidation states of each element in the reactants and products.
Identify which elements are oxidized (oxidation state increases) and which are reduced (oxidation state decreases).
Determine which reactant is the reducing agent (donates electrons and is oxidized) and which is the oxidizing agent (accepts electrons and is reduced).
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. T h eo x i d a t i o n s t a t eo f ni t ro g e nin NO c han g es f ro m + 2 t o 0 , an d t h eo x i d a t i o n s t a t eo f c a r b o nin CO c han g es f ro m + 2 t o + 4 a s t h ere a c t i o n p rocee d s .
Explanation
Analyze the Reaction We are given the reaction: 2 NO ( g ) + 2 CO ( g ) i g h t ha r p oo n u p N 2 ( g ) + 2 C O 2 ( g ) . We need to determine which statement best describes the reducing and oxidizing processes in this reaction. To do this, we need to identify the oxidation states of each element in the reactants and products.
Determine Oxidation States In NO , nitrogen (N) has an oxidation state of +2, and oxygen (O) has an oxidation state of -2. In CO , carbon (C) has an oxidation state of +2, and oxygen (O) has an oxidation state of -2. In N 2 , nitrogen (N) has an oxidation state of 0. In C O 2 , carbon (C) has an oxidation state of +4, and oxygen (O) has an oxidation state of -2.
Identify Oxidation and Reduction Now, let's identify which elements are oxidized and which are reduced. Oxidation is an increase in oxidation state, and reduction is a decrease in oxidation state. Nitrogen goes from +2 in NO to 0 in N 2 . This is a reduction. Carbon goes from +2 in CO to +4 in C O 2 . This is an oxidation.
Determine Reducing and Oxidizing Agents Since nitrogen is reduced, NO is the oxidizing agent. Since carbon is oxidized, CO is the reducing agent. Therefore, 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.
Final Answer The best description of the reducing and oxidizing processes in this reaction is: 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.
Examples
In catalytic converters, this redox reaction is crucial for reducing harmful emissions from vehicles. By converting nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide into nitrogen and carbon dioxide, the converter helps to minimize air pollution. Understanding oxidation states and redox reactions is essential for designing and improving such environmental technologies.
