Question

Which of the following options is/are wrong about the reaction given below?

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

• A. Zinc is oxidised and hydrogen is reduced
• B. Hydrogen is oxidised and zinc is reduced
• C. Chlorine is neither oxidised nor reduced
• D. Chlorine is both oxidised and reduced

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (D)

The correct options are
B

Hydrogen is oxidised and zinc is reduced

D

Chlorine is both oxidised and reduced

Let's take a look at the reaction with the oxidation state of each element written on top of it.

$Z{n}^0+2H^{+1}C{l}^{-1}\to Z{n}^{+2}C{l}_2^{-1}+H_2^0$

There is an increase in oxidation number from 0 to +1 for Zinc. Since the oxidation number has increased, we can say that zinc undergoes oxidation.

There is a decrease in oxidation number from +1 to 0 for hydrogen. Since the oxidation number has decreased, we can say that hydrogen undergoes reduction.

There is no change in oxidation number for chlorine, therefore, chlorine undergoes neither oxidation nor reduction.

So the wrong options are "Hydrogen is oxidised and zinc is reduced" and "Chlorine is both oxidised and reduced".