Question

What describes the change in oxidation states of the following reaction?

2Cl- + F2 > 2F- + Cl2

a. Cl– reduces to Cl and F oxidizes to F–.
b. Cl– oxidizes to Cl and F reduces to F–.
d. Cl is the reducing agent and F– is the oxidizing agent.

Answer 1

@warpedkitten

diatomic elements like F2 and Cl2 have an oxidation state of 0

so remember if your oxidation state goes up that means that electrons are lost oxidation.

if your oxidation state goes down that means you've gained electrons and that's reduction

Answer 2

I agree with u @Photon336
So as we can see cl - goes to 0 oxidation state thus it is oxidising.
And F2 goes from 0 to -1 state ttus reducing so the answer will be b