Question

statement 1:$H_2{O}_2$ is a good oxidizing agent
statement 2; In $H_2{O}_2$, O atom is in $-1$ oxidation state

• A. Statement 1 is True, Statement 2 is True
• B. Statement 1 is True , Statement 2 is False
• C. Statement 1 is False, Statement 2 is False
• D. Statement 1 is False, Statement 2 is True

Answer 1

The correct option is A Statement 1 is True, Statement 2 is True

The structure of $H_2{O}_2$ is shown in the figure. The oxidation number of hydrogen in $H_2{O}_2$ is $+1$ from the oxidation number method. Due to the presence of a peroxy linkage, the oxidation state of oxygen is $-1$. This makes the compound unstable and hence it may act either as an oxidizing agent(by decreasing the oxidation number of oxygen to), or a reducing agent(by increasing the oxidation number of oxygen). Hence both the statements are correct. However statement 2 is not the correct explanation for statement 1.