Question

In the following equation, identify the oxidation numbers and the oxidizing/reducing agents. 2H2O2 → 2H2O + O2

Answer 1

Explanation:

2H2O2 → 2H2O + O2

Oxidation numbers

On the left:

H2O2 => O (-1) and H (+1)

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On the right:

H2O => O (-2) and H (+1)

O2 => 0

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REDOX reaction: the half-reactions

Oxidation:

$2\text{ O}^{-1}=>\text{ 2O}^0+\text{ 2e}^{-1}$

Reduction:

$2O^{-1}+\text{ 2e}^{-1}=>\text{ 2O}^{-2}$

According to this, H2O2 is the oxidizind and the reducing agent.