Copper oxide is heated with charcoal to produce carbon monoxide and copper. The reaction is...
Copper oxide is heated with charcoal to produce carbon monoxide and copper. The reaction is an example of
- A) both oxidation and reduction
- B) neither oxidation and reduction
- C) oxidation only
- D) reduction only
Correct Answer: A) both oxidation and reduction
Explanation
The reaction described in the question involves heating copper oxide with charcoal to produce carbon monoxide and copper. This reaction can be represented by the following balanced chemical equation:
\(2 CuO + C \rightarrow 2 Cu + CO_2\)
In this reaction, copper oxide (CuO) is reduced to copper (Cu), while charcoal (carbon, C) is oxidized to carbon dioxide (CO2). This can be better understood by examining the changes in the oxidation states of the elements involved:
1. Copper in CuO has an oxidation state of +2, while in Cu it has an oxidation state of 0. This decrease in oxidation state indicates a reduction.
2. Carbon in charcoal has an oxidation state of 0, while in CO2 it has an oxidation state of +4. This increase in oxidation state indicates an oxidation.
Since both reduction and oxidation processes are occurring simultaneously in this reaction, it is an example of a redox reaction. Therefore,Option A: both oxidation and reduction is the correct answer.