In the following reactions first Identify the substance that is oxidized and the one that is reduced. Then identify the oxidizing and reducing agents.
A. 2Li(s)+ F2(g) -- 2LiF(s)
B. Fe(s) + CuSO4(aq) -- FeSO4(aq)+ Cu(s)

Question

In the following reactions first Identify the substance that is oxidized and the one that is reduced. Then identify the oxidizing and reducing agents.
A. 2Li(s)+ F2(g) --> 2LiF(s)
B. Fe(s) + CuSO4(aq) --> FeSO4(aq)+ Cu(s)

anonymous · Answer

um there are different mnemonics to remember how to determine what is reduced and oxidized. my favorite is LEO and GER. Losing Electrons Oxidized and Gaining Electrons Reduction.

joannablackwelder · Answer

In a, bth the Li and the F start out with a neutral charge. When they react, the Li becomes positive and the F becomes negative. Becoming positive means losing electrons. Becoming negative means gaining electrons.

joannablackwelder · Answer

*both

joannablackwelder · Answer

So the Li  is oxidized and the F is reduced.

joannablackwelder · Answer

Make sense?

anonymous · Answer

not really

anonymous · Answer

in this problem is there 2 parts to the anwser

joannablackwelder · Answer

Yes, I didn't get to the oxidation/reducing agents yet. Did you understand how I figured out which one is oxidized?

anonymous · Answer

yes I do understand that part

joannablackwelder · Answer

Awesome! And did you understand which one is reduced?

anonymous · Answer

yes because when you become negative you gain electrons=reduction

joannablackwelder · Answer

Perfect. The atom that causes the reduction is the reducing agent, so since the Li caused the F to be reduced it is the reducing agent.

joannablackwelder · Answer

And vice versa. The F is the oxidizing agent.

anonymous · Answer

in b. would Fe be oxidized and CuSO be the reduction

joannablackwelder · Answer

Close. Fe is oxidized, but the element that is reduced is Cu.

joannablackwelder · Answer

The charge must change for it to be oxidized or reduced.

joannablackwelder · Answer

The SO4 is -2 the whole time.

anonymous · Answer

so would the SO4 be the oxidizing agent?

joannablackwelder · Answer

No, Fe is the  reducing agent and Cu is the oxidizing agent.

joannablackwelder · Answer

Whatever is oxidized is the reducing agent, and whatever is reduced is the oxidizing agent.

anonymous · Answer

Oh well that does make sense but why is the SO4 not included?

joannablackwelder · Answer

Because it doesn 't gain or lose electrons.

joannablackwelder · Answer

Or cause anything else to gain or lose electrons.

anonymous · Answer

that makes a lot of sense

anonymous · Answer

I wish you were my chemistry teacher because I possibly would understand the material much better in lecture.
Thank you

joannablackwelder · Answer

I'm glad I was able to help.  :) I am a chem tutor and I do have the capability to do online lessons with a whiteboard. Message me if something like that would be helpful for you.