Which substance is oxidized and which is reduced in this reaction?

Cl2 + 2HBr → 2HCl + Br2

A) HBr oxidized; HCl reduced

B) HCl oxidized; Cl2 reduced

C) Br2 oxidized; HBr reduced

D) Cl2 and Br2 oxidized; HBr reduced

A) HBr oxidized; HCl reduced

Explanation:

Chemical equation:

Cl₂ + 2HBr → 2HCl + Br₂

The given reaction is redox reaction because oxidation reduction take place.

Cl₂ is reduced from oxidation state 0 to - 1 while HBr oxidized from - 1 to 0.

Chlorine is oxidizing agent while HBr is reducing agent.

Oxidation:

Oxidation involve the removal of electrons and oxidation state of atom of an element is increased.

Reduction:

Reduction involve the gain of electron and oxidation number is decreased.

Oxidizing agents:

Oxidizing agents oxidize the other elements and itself gets reduced.

Reducing agents:

Reducing agents reduced the other element are it self gets oxidized