What is the oxidizing and reducing agent in Na + H2O --> NaOH + H2?

1 Answer
anor277
May 9, 2018

Hydrogen is formally reduced, and is thus the "oxidizing agent.."

Explanation:

And so ....underbrace(H_2O(l) +e^(-) rarr 1/2H_2(g)uarr + HO^(-))_"reduction half equation"

And natrium metal is oxidized....i.e. the metal is the "REDUCING agent..."

underbrace(Na(s) rarr Na^+ + e^(-))_"oxidation half equation"

And we simply add one t'other to remove the electrons....

Na(s) + H_2O(l) rarr 1/2H_2(g)uarr + NaOH(aq)

Can you assign appropriate oxidation numbers with respect to the final equation?

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