What happens to hydrogen in the reaction between copper oxide and hydrogen?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Hydrogen is oxidised to form water
The reaction is \(\mathrm{CuO + H_2 \rightarrow Cu + H_2O}\). Hydrogen combines with oxygen removed from copper oxide and forms water. Addition of oxygen is oxidation, so hydrogen is oxidised. In contrast, copper oxide is reduced because it loses oxygen. Exam tip: Identify oxidation by checking which substance gains oxygen.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Hydrogen is oxidised to form water
Why is this the correct answer?
The reaction is \(\mathrm{CuO + H_2 \rightarrow Cu + H_2O}\). Hydrogen combines with oxygen removed from copper oxide and forms water. Addition of oxygen is oxidation, so hydrogen is oxidised. In contrast, copper oxide is reduced because it loses oxygen. Exam tip: Identify oxidation by checking which substance gains oxygen.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Chemical Reactions and Equations.
