H_2 (g) can be oxidized by which of the following?

• A. CO_2 (g)
• B. O_2 (g)
• C. N_2 (g)
• D. CH_4 (g)

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of oxidation in chemistry: oxidation involves the loss of electrons by a substance, often accompanied by the gain of oxygen or the loss of hydrogen.
2. Identify the species that can act as an oxidizing agent, which means it can accept electrons or cause another substance to lose electrons.
3. Consider the chemical nature of each given gas: CO_2, O_2, N_2, and CH_4, and determine which one is capable of accepting electrons from H_2.
4. Recall that O_2 is a strong oxidizing agent because it readily accepts electrons to form water when reacting with hydrogen gas.
5. Conclude that H_2 can be oxidized by O_2, as this reaction is a classic example of a redox process where hydrogen is oxidized and oxygen is reduced.