Question

What element is being oxidized in the following redox reaction?

Answer 1

Answer:

The element that has been oxidized is the N

Explanation:

Zn²⁺(aq) + NH₄⁺(aq) → Zn(s) + NO₃⁻(aq)

See all the oxidation states:

Zn²⁺  → acts with +2

In ammonia, H acts with +1 and N with -3

Zn(s), acts with 0. In all the elements in ground state, the oxidation state is 0.

Zn changed from 2+ to 0. The oxidation number, has decreased.

This element has been reduced.

NO₃⁻ (aq) it's a ion, from nitric acid.

N acts with +5

O acts with -2

The global charge is -1

The N, has increased the oxidation state, so this element is the one oxidized.