Problem 16 - Chemistry: The Central Science

Question

Indicate whether each of the following statements is true or false: (a) If something is reduced, it is formally losing electrons. (b) A reducing agent gets oxidized as it reacts. (c) An oxidizing agent is needed to convert \(\mathrm{CO}\) into \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\).

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(a) False: Reduction refers to the process of gaining electrons, not losing them. (b) True: A reducing agent causes another substance to be reduced and itself gets oxidized in the process. (c) True: An oxidizing agent is needed to provide the additional oxygen atom needed to convert CO into CO2.

Step 1: Statement A: If something is reduced, it is formally losing electrons.

This statement is false. Reduction actually refers to the process of gaining electrons, not losing them. It is when a substance reduces its oxidation state by gaining electrons.

Step 2: Statement B: A reducing agent gets oxidized as it reacts.

This statement is true. A reducing agent is a substance that causes another substance to be reduced and itself gets oxidized in the process. By losing electrons, the reducing agent makes it possible for the other substance to gain those electrons and be reduced.

Step 3: Statement C: An oxidizing agent is needed to convert CO into CO2.

This statement is true. When carbon monoxide (CO) is converted into carbon dioxide (CO2), oxidation occurs. This means that CO must be gaining oxygen, in this case, by reacting with an oxidizing agent. An oxidizing agent is needed to provide the additional oxygen atom needed to convert CO into CO2.