Question

Cu + H2O --> CuO + H2

Answer 1

Answer: Copper is getting oxidized and hydrogen is getting reduced.

Explanation:

Oxidation reaction is defined as the reaction in which a substance looses its electrons. The oxidation state of this substance is increased and the substance gets oxidized.

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

Reduction reaction is defined as the reaction in which a substance gains electrons. The oxidation state of this substance gets reduced and the substance gets reduced.

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

The given chemical reaction is:

$Cu+H_2O\rightarrow CuO+H_2$

The half reactions for the given above chemical reaction is:

Oxidation half reaction:  $Cu\rightarrow Cu^{2+}+2e^-$

Reduction half reaction:  $2H^++2e^-\rightarrow H_2$

As, copper is loosing electrons. so, it is getting oxidized and hydrogen is gaining electrons. So, it is getting reduced.

Answer 2

In the reduction-oxidation reaction given, Cu is reduced because it gained 2 electrons, on the other hand H2 is oxidized because it gained one electron. I hope this helps.