2Al + 8 H2O -- 2 H^+1 + 3 H2 + 2Al(OH)4^-1

Which element was reduced and which element was oxidized?

Question

2Al + 8 H2O --> 2 H^+1 + 3 H2 + 2Al(OH)4^-1

Which element was reduced and which element was oxidized?

aaronq · Answer

assign oxidation numbers, the species that decreases in oxidation number (goes more negative) is being reduced, the one that increases in oxidation state is oxidized.

anonymous · Answer

Well, I know that 
Al is zero
 one hydrogen atom in H2O is +1
 one oxygen atom in H2O is -2
 Hydrogen is +3
one oxygen in Al(OH)4^-1 is -2 
and one hydrogen in Al(OH)4^-1 is +1. 
So... does that mean that hydrogen is oxidized and oxygen is reduced?

anonymous · Answer

Aluminum is oxidized, it goes from 0 to +3. Hydrogen is reduced, it goes from +1 to 0.

anonymous · Answer

thank you!

anonymous · Answer

No problem