What happens to hydrogen in the reaction between copper(II) oxide and hydrogen?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Hydrogen is oxidised
In the reaction \(\mathrm{CuO + H_2 \rightarrow Cu + H_2O}\), hydrogen gains oxygen from copper(II) oxide to form water. Gain of oxygen is oxidation, so hydrogen is oxidised. The oxidation state of hydrogen increases from \(0\) to \(+1\) in water. In contrast, copper changes from \(+2\) in \(\mathrm{CuO}\) to \(0\) in copper metal, so copper is reduced.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Hydrogen is oxidised
Why is this the correct answer?
In the reaction \(\mathrm{CuO + H_2 \rightarrow Cu + H_2O}\), hydrogen gains oxygen from copper(II) oxide to form water. Gain of oxygen is oxidation, so hydrogen is oxidised. The oxidation state of hydrogen increases from \(0\) to \(+1\) in water. In contrast, copper changes from \(+2\) in \(\mathrm{CuO}\) to \(0\) in copper metal, so copper is reduced.
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.
