Question

For the following reaction, identify the element that was oxidized, the element that was reduced, and the reducing agent. Give an explanation for each answer.
2CO + 2NO yields 2CO2 + N2

Answer 1

do you know how to assign oxidation numbers/states?

Answer 2

no I don't im new at this xP

Answer 3

you should watch this vid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0RfMRDy34w

then try again

Answer 4

once you assign oxidation numbers,

species that go form more positive to more negative (e.g. -1 to -2) are reduced

ones that go from more negative to more positive are oxidized (e.g. -2 to -1)

this makes sense if you remember that electrons have negative charges, so if reduced something you're adding electrons, and that makes it more negative

Answer 5

CO is getting oxidised to CO2 and NO is getting reduced toN2

Answer 6

That is correct which makes the reducing agent CO because it is oxidized.