Question

Name the substance oxidised and reduced in the following reaction: \( ZnO + C \longrightarrow Zn + CO \)

Hint:

The substance that is reduced acts as the oxidising agent, and the substance that is oxidised acts as the reducing agent.

Answer 1

Given Reaction:
\[ ZnO + C \longrightarrow Zn + CO \]

Step 1: Recall the Meaning of Oxidation and Reduction
– Oxidation is gain of oxygen or loss of electrons.
– Reduction is loss of oxygen or gain of electrons.

Step 2: Analyse the Reaction
In the reaction: – Zinc oxide (ZnO) is converted into zinc (Zn).
– Carbon (C) is converted into carbon monoxide (CO).

Step 3: Identify the Substance Oxidised
Carbon (C) combines with oxygen to form carbon monoxide (CO). \[ C \rightarrow CO \] Since carbon gains oxygen, it is oxidised.

Step 4: Identify the Substance Reduced
Zinc oxide (ZnO) loses oxygen to form zinc (Zn). \[ ZnO \rightarrow Zn \] Since ZnO loses oxygen, it is reduced.

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{Substance oxidised: Carbon (C)}} \] \[ \boxed{\text{Substance reduced: Zinc oxide (ZnO)}} \]
This reaction is a redox reaction because oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously.