Question

(2 points) Well, we might as well try a similar question. Magnesium metal reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce hydrogen gas and an aqueous solution of magnesium (II) chloride. What substance is being oxidize

Answer 1

Answer: In the given chemical equation, the substance getting oxidized is magnesium metal.

Explanation:

Oxidation reaction is defined as the chemical reaction in which an atom looses its electrons. The oxidation number of the atom gets increased during this reaction.

$X\rightarrow X^{n+}+ne^-$

The chemical equation for the reaction of magnesium and hydrochloric acid follows:

$Mg(s)+2HCl(aq.)\rightarrow MgCl_2(aq.)+H_2(g)$

The half reaction for the above equation follows:

Oxidation half reaction: $Mg(s)\rightarrow Mg^{+}(aq.)+2e^-$

Reduction half reaction: $2H^+(aq.)\rightarrow H_2(g)+2e^-$

Hence, in the given chemical equation, the substance getting oxidized is magnesium metal.