Answer to Question #153945 in Chemistry for jar

Question

2H+ (aq) + ClO- (aq) + 2I- (aq) → Cl- (aq) + I2 (aq) + H2O (l)       

what element is oxidized? What element is reduced? Justify using oxidation numbers.

Answer 1

Solution:

2H⁺(aq) + ClO^-(aq) + 2I^-(aq) → Cl^-(aq) + I₂(aq) + H₂O(l)

This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:

ClO^- + 2H⁺ + 2e^- → Cl^- + H₂O (reduction)

2I^- - 2e^- → 2I⁰ (oxidation)

ClO^- is an oxidizing agent, I^- is a reducing agent.

Hence,

I (iodine) is oxidized (Oxidation number: -1 → 0);

Cl (chlorine) is reduced (Oxidation number: +1 → -1).

Answer:

I (iodine) is oxidized;

Cl (chlorine) is reduced.