Question

identify the oxidizing agent in the reaction SnO2(s) + 2C(s) > Sn(l) + 2CO(g)

Answer 1

SnO2 -> Sn
Sn oxidation states:
+4 -> 0

So Sn is being reduced, thus SnO2 is the oxidizing agent.

Answer 2

thank you! one more question, how did you get the oxidation state on SnO2 as +4?

Answer 3

there are guidelines (look these up on google) to appoint oxidation states to certain elements according to their place on the periodic table.. per say, K and H are always +1, O is always -2, etc... then you add up the number to equal zero, unless they have a charge..

eg. NO ... since O is always -2, N must be +2.
CO2 .. O is -2 but there are two of them, so -4, therefore C is +4.
HCl.. H is +1, Cl must be -1
NH4+ .. H is +1, positive charge account for one H.. so you have +3, N is-3.

Answer 4

okay I understand it now thank you so much!