what element is reduced and oxidized? Zn +2NO-3+4H^+=Zn^2+2No2+2H2O how do you find out reduced element and oxidized element? is there any formula to remember?

Question

what element is reduced and oxidized? Zn +2NO-3+4H^+=>Zn^2+2No2+2H2O how do you find out reduced element and oxidized element? is there any formula to remember?

anonymous · Answer

just remember, oxidation means electrons are lost (thus becoming more positively charged)
reduction means electrons are gained (thus becoming more negatively charged)

Zn + 2NO-3 + 4H+ ---> Zn2+ + 2NO2 + 2H2O
so zinc went from no charge to +2 charge, meaning it's been oxidized
2NO went from a -3 charge, to 0 charge, meaning it's been oxidized
4H+ went from a +1 charge to 0 charge, meaning it's been reduced