Which species functions as the reducing agent in the following reduction-oxidation reaction? ZnO(s)+ C(s)→ Zn(s)+ CO(g)
A)C(s)
B)CO(g)
C)Zn(s)
D)ZnO(s)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a redox reaction, the reducing agent is the species that loses electrons and gets oxidized. In this reaction, carbon (C) is oxidized to CO, which means it loses electrons and functions as the reducing agent. The zinc oxide (ZnO) is reduced to zinc (Zn) by gaining electrons, and so it functions as the oxidizing agent. The products of the reaction are zinc (Zn) and carbon monoxide (CO).

Which Species Functions as the Reducing Agent in the Following