Question

HNO3 + S --> H2SO4 + NO Now identify the element oxidized and the element reduced. Which element is oxidized? Which element is reduced? Which elements undergo no oxidation or reduction?

Answer 1

Answer: S is getting oxidized, N is getting reduced and O and H undergo no oxidation or reduction

Explanation:

The oxidation reaction is defined as the reaction in which a chemical species loses electrons in a chemical reaction. It occurs when oxidation number of a species increases.

A reduction reaction is defined as the reaction in which a chemical species gains electrons in a chemical reaction. It occurs when oxidation number of a species decreases.

For the given chemical reaction:

$HNO_3+S\rightarrow H_2SO_4+NO$

On the reactant side:

Oxidation number of H = +1

Oxidation number of N = +5

Oxidation number of O = -2

Oxidation number of S = 0

On the product side:

Oxidation number of H = +1

Oxidation number of N = +2

Oxidation number of O = -2

Oxidation number of S = +6

As the oxidation number of S is increasing from 0 to +6. Thus, it is getting oxidized. Similarly, the oxidation number of N is decreasing from +5 to +2. Thus, it is getting reduced.

The oxidation numbers of O and H remain the same on both sides of the reaction. Thus, they are neither getting oxidized or reduced.

Hence, S is getting oxidized, N is getting reduced and O and H undergo no oxidation or reduction