Which substance is the oxidizing agent in the following reaction: ZnO + C → Zn + CO?

• A. C
• B. CO
• C. ZnO
• D. Zn

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of oxidation and reduction: In a redox reaction, the oxidizing agent is the substance that gains electrons and is reduced, while the reducing agent is the substance that loses electrons and is oxidized.
2. Identify the oxidation states of each element in the reactants and products: For ZnO, Zn is in the +2 oxidation state and O is in the -2 oxidation state. For C, the oxidation state is 0. In the products, Zn is in the 0 oxidation state and CO has C in the +2 oxidation state and O in the -2 oxidation state.
3. Determine the changes in oxidation states: Zn goes from +2 in ZnO to 0 in Zn, indicating a reduction (gain of electrons). C goes from 0 in C to +2 in CO, indicating oxidation (loss of electrons).
4. Identify the oxidizing agent: The oxidizing agent is the substance that causes another substance to be oxidized and is itself reduced. Since ZnO is reduced (Zn goes from +2 to 0), ZnO is the oxidizing agent.
5. Conclude the analysis: ZnO gains electrons during the reaction, making it the oxidizing agent, while C loses electrons, making it the reducing agent.