Redox, use of the definitions (Redox-12) Methane, CH4, is burned. Formulate the reaction equation Determine all oxidation numbers Apply the concepts reduction and oxidation Is O2 an oxidizing agent or reducing agent? Justify the choice.

  Exercise: Redox-12    

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Methane, CH₄, is burned.

1. Formulate the reaction equation
2. Determine all oxidation numbers
3. Apply the concepts reduction and oxidation
4. Is O₂ an oxidizing agent or reducing agent? Justify the choice.

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Solution:

1. CH₄ + 2·O₂ → 2·H₂O + CO₂
2. The transition from reactant to product is listed.
       H: +Ⅰ → +Ⅰ
       C: -Ⅳ → +Ⅳ
       O: 0 → O in H₂O: -Ⅱ       O in CO₂: -Ⅱ
3. Hydrogen: The ox numbers of H do not change
       Carbon: change from -Ⅳ to +Ⅳ: oxidation
       Oxygen: change from 0 to -Ⅱ: reduction
4. The oxygen oxides go from 0 (in O₂) to -Ⅱ each. So the O₂ is reduced, so here's the oxidizing agent.

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