Identify the reducing agent for H2O + F2 gives HF + h o f?
Understanding the Reaction
In the reaction of water (H₂O) with fluorine (F₂) to produce hydrofluoric acid (HF) and oxygen (O₂), we can identify the reducing agent by analyzing the changes in oxidation states.
Reaction Overview
- Reactants: H₂O + F₂
- Products: HF + O₂
Oxidation States
- In H₂O, the oxidation state of hydrogen (H) is +1 and oxygen (O) is -2.
- In F₂, fluorine (F) is in the elemental state, having an oxidation state of 0.
- In HF, the oxidation state of hydrogen remains +1 while fluorine has an oxidation state of -1.
- In O₂, oxygen has an oxidation state of 0.
Identifying the Reducing Agent
- A reducing agent is a substance that donates electrons and is oxidized in the process.
- In this reaction, H₂O is oxidized to O₂, meaning it loses electrons.
- Hence, the oxidation state of oxygen increases from -2 in H₂O to 0 in O₂.
Conclusion
- Since H₂O is losing electrons (being oxidized), it acts as the reducing agent in this reaction.
- F₂, on the other hand, acts as the oxidizing agent since it gains electrons and is reduced from 0 to -1 oxidation state.
Summary
- Reducing Agent: H₂O
- Oxidizing Agent: F₂
- Products: HF and O₂
This understanding of oxidation states and electron transfer helps clarify the roles of reactants in redox reactions.