Question

Name the substance oxidised and reduced in the following reaction: \( ZnO + C \longrightarrow Zn + CO \)

Hint:

The substance that is reduced acts as the oxidising agent, and the substance that is oxidised acts as the reducing agent.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In a redox reaction:
- Oxidation is the gain of oxygen or loss of electrons.
- Reduction is the loss of oxygen or gain of electrons.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Looking at the reaction: \( ZnO + C \rightarrow Zn + CO \)
1. Zinc oxide (\( ZnO \)) loses oxygen to become Zinc (\( Zn \)). Since it loses oxygen, it is being reduced.
2. Carbon (\( C \)) gains oxygen to become Carbon monoxide (\( CO \)). Since it gains oxygen, it is being oxidised.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The substance oxidised is Carbon (\( C \)) and the substance reduced is Zinc oxide (\( ZnO \)).