Cu + H2O -- CuO + H2

This equation shows that Cu is either oxidized or reduced? (Choose one)

This equation shows that H2 is either oxidized or reduced? (Choose one)

Question

Cu + H2O --> CuO + H2

This equation shows that Cu is  either oxidized or reduced? (Choose one)

This equation shows that H2 is either oxidized or reduced? (Choose one)

priths · Answer

First of all the equation is wrong as  copper reacts with water to form copper hydroxide CU(OH)2 and not copper oxide

jfraser · Answer

assuming for a second that the reaction is correct, what are the charges of the copper, both as reactant, and as a product?

priths · Answer

you have given the wrong equation HappyMe8

anonymous · Answer

Copper does not react with water

anonymous · Answer

I must have messed the formula up or something, but I ended up guessing the answer (for my homework) and the correct answer is Cu is oxidized and H2 is reduced.  I'm still not sure why it is like that, so if anyone wants to explain it, that'd be great! :)

jfraser · Answer

as i posted above, whether the reaction "happens" or not is irrelevant. look at the charges of the copper as a reactant, and again as a product. that will tell you whether is is being oxidized or reduced

anonymous · Answer

Ok, but how do I find the charges?

jfraser · Answer

look at the formulas. Cu all by itself has zero charge. the Cu in CuO has a +2 charge

anonymous · Answer

Oh!  I get it!  Thank you so much!

jfraser · Answer

yw