PCAT Chemical Processes – Reduction & Oxidation
- by
- Oct 25, 2017
- PCAT Question of the Day
What is the identity of the reducing agent and oxidizing agent, respectively, in the reaction shown below?
2Cr(OH)3 + 3H2O2 + 4NaOH → 2Na2CrO4 + 8H2O
- Cr(OH)3 and NaOH
- Cr(OH)3 and H2O2
- H2O2 and Cr(OH)3
- H2O2 and NaOH
Explanation
To answer this question, you must identify the atom that is reduced and the atom that is oxidized. In the reaction above, chromium is oxidized from +3 to +6, which makes chromium hydroxide the reducing agent. Alternatively, oxygen in hydrogen peroxide is reduced from -1 to -2, which makes it the oxidizing agent. Thus, the correct answer is B.
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