AAMC #3, Question 46

[discowisco]

Why cant the reducing agent be SO42-?

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[deh2ase]

The reaction is H2SO4(aq) + Fe --> H2 + Fe(SO4)2

The oxidation state of sulfate doesn't change going from reactant to product. Since you are looking for the reducing agent, you want the reactant that is being oxidized (Fe).

H+ (+1) --> H2 (0)

Fe (0) --> Fe2+ (2+)

 

[Jepstein30]

The reaction is H2SO4(aq) + Fe --> H2 + Fe(SO4)2

The oxidation state of sulfate doesn't change going from reactant to product. Since you are looking for the reducing agent, you want the reactant that is being oxidized (Fe).

H+ (+1) --> H2 (0)

Fe (0) --> Fe2+ (2+)

Thing getting reduced/oxidized = element

Reducing agent = molecule

If this is the reaction, we know that H is getting reduced (+1 to 0) and Fe is getting oxidized (0 to +2).

H = reduced
Fe = oxidized

But oxidizing/reducing agents are molecules (reactants).. so since the reducing agent is the thing that gets oxidized.. it's Fe. The oxidizing agent would be H2SO4 (not just H).

 

[deh2ase]

Thing getting reduced/oxidized = element

Reducing agent = molecule

If this is the reaction, we know that H is getting reduced (+1 to 0) and Fe is getting oxidized (0 to +2).

H = reduced
Fe = oxidized

But oxidizing/reducing agents are molecules (reactants).. so since the reducing agent is the thing that gets oxidized.. it's Fe. The oxidizing agent would be H2SO4 (not just H).

I concur, good clarification.

 

[conquerDat]

Thank you! Thats exactly what I wanted to know!