Question

Which half-reaction correctly describes the change that occurs when hydrogen reacts with chlorine?

H2 + Cl2 2HCl

A. H2 2H+ + 2e-; oxidation
B. H2 + 2e- 2H-; reduction
C. H2 + 2e- 2H+; reduction
D. H2 2H- + 2e-; oxidation

Answer 1

@aaronq

Answer 2

It's supposed to look like:

H2 + Cl2 ---> 2HCl

A. H2 ---> 2H+ + 2e-; oxidation
B. H2 + 2e- ---> 2H-; reduction
C. H2 + 2e- ---> 2H+; reduction
D. H2 ---> 2H- + 2e-; oxidation

Answer 3

so first things first, is \(H_2\) reduced or oxidized here?

Answer 4

Reduced right?

Answer 5

hmm.. what is more electronegative, H or Cl?

Answer 6

H

Answer 7

nope

Answer 8

electronegativity increases up any column and to the right on any row (on the periodic table), with F being the most electronegative element

Answer 9

hmm ok

Answer 10

Cl is more electronegative so in a "tug of war" for electrons, Cl will take them from H

Answer 11

H will effectively be oxidized

Answer 12

so it's A?

Answer 13

yup!

Answer 14

yay! thank you :)

Answer 15

no probs!