Question

Identify the correct statement $\left(s\right)$ in relation to the following reaction:

$Zn+2HCl\to ZnC{l}_2+H_2$

• A. Zinc is acting as a reductant
• B. Zinc is acting as an oxidant
• C. Chlorine is acting as a reductant
• D. Hydrogen ion is acting as an oxidant

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (D)

Hydrogen ion is acting as an oxidant

$Zn+2HCl\to ZnC{l}_2+H_2$

$Zn=0$ $H=+1$ $Zn=+2$ $H=0$

$Cl=-1$ $Cl=-1$

$A)$ Zinc is acting as an oxidant

Zinc is undergoing oxidation in the above reaction as its oxidation state is increasing from $0$ to $+2.$

Therefore, zinc is acting as a reductant here and thus, this statement is incorrect.

$B)$ Chlorine is acting as a reductant

Chlorine does not undergo any change in oxidation number. Since in $HCl$ and $ZnC{l}_2$ the oxidation number of $Cl$ is $-1,$ and thus this statement is incorrect.

$C)$ Hydrogen ion is acting as an oxidant

Hydrogen is getting reduced from $+1$ to $0,$ thus it is acting as an oxidising agent, i.e., oxidant.

$D)$ Zinc is acting as a reductant

Zinc is undergoing oxidation as its oxidation number is increasing from $0$ to $+2,$ thus it is acting as a reducing agent i.e., reductant.

Hence, correct options are $\left(C\right)\&\left(D\right).$