Question

Which statements are true? The oxidation number for Cu(s) is +2. An oxidizing agent gains electrons. Na+ is formed from the reduction of Na(s) . The oxidation number for Hg(????) is 0. A reducing agent gains electrons. Zn2+ is formed from the oxidation of Zn(s) .

Answer 1

An oxidizing agent gains electrons.

Zn2+ is formed from the oxidation of Zn(s)

The oxidation number for Hg(l) is 0.

Answer 2

Answer: The correct statements are:

An oxidizing agent gains electrons and $Zn^{2+}$ is formed from the oxidation of Zn(s).

Explanation:

For the given options:

• Statement 1: The oxidation number for Cu(s) is +2

Copper is the 29th element of the periodic table having electronic configuration of $[Ar]3d^{10}4s^1$

This element can show +1 or +2 oxidation states. Thus, this statement is false.

• Statement 2: An oxidizing agent gains electrons.

Oxidizing agents are defined as the agents which oxidize other substance and itself gets reduced. These agents undergoes reduction reactions and reduction reaction is the reaction in which an atom gains electrons.

Thus, this statement is True.

• Statement 3:  $Na^+$ is formed from the reduction of Na(s)

Oxidation reaction is defined as the reaction in which an atom looses its electrons. Here, oxidation state of the atom increases.

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

Sodium is the 11th element and it will loose electrons to form sodium ion.

$Na\rightarrow Na^++e^-$

Hence, this statement is false.

• Statement 4: The oxidation number for Hg(l) is 0.

Mercury is the 80th element of the periodic tale having electronic configuration of $[Xe]4f^{14}5d^{10}6s^2$

This element can show +1 or +2 oxidation states. Thus, this statement is false.

• Statement 5: A reducing agent gains electrons.

Reducing agents are defined as the agents which reduces the other substance and itself gets oxidized. These agents undergoes oxidation reactions and oxidation reaction is defined as the reaction in which an atom looses its electrons.

Thus, this statement is false.

• Statement 6:  $Zn^{2+}$ is formed from the oxidation of Zn(s)

Oxidation reaction is defined as the reaction in which an atom looses its electrons. Here, oxidation state of the atom increases.

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

Zinc is the 30th element and it will loose electrons to form zinc ion.

$Zn\rightarrow Zn^{2+}+2e^-$

Thus, this statement is True.

Hence, the correct statements are:

An oxidizing agent gains electrons and $Zn^{2+}$ is formed from the oxidation of Zn(s).