Asked by Audrey

How do you know which element is being oxidized? Oxidation is lost, Reduction is gained.

So in this equation:
2 MnO4^- + 5 C2O4^2- + 16H+ (right arrow) 2 Mn^2+ + 10 CO2 + 8 H2O

what element is oxidized?
a. no element is oxidized
b. Mn
c. C
d. O

my answer was Mn bc on the reactants side, Mn has +7 and productsi s +2, so this decreased, but this is wrong.
Answered by bobpursley
my answer was Mn bc on the reactants side, Mn has +7 and productsi s +2, so this decreased, but this is wrong. >> Of course it is wrong, it gained electrons. Oxidation is losing negative charge, going more positive.
Answered by Audrey
ok so is the correct answer C because it initially has a +3 oxid . #, and then on the products it's 4. Is C correct?
Answered by Audrey
Oxygen stays the same because it 's -2 on both reactants and products so there is no reducation or oxidation there
Answered by bobpursley
Yes, C is oxidized, it loses electrons.

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