Consider the following reaction:

Question

3 C2H5OH + 2 K2Cr2O7 + 8 H2SO4 → 2 Cr2(SO4)3 + 3 CH3COOH + 2 K2SO4 + 11 H2O

Which statement below best describes what is happening as this reaction proceeds?

a. sulphuric acid is being reduced to sulphate ion
b. ethanol is being reduced to acetic acid
c. dichromate ion is being reduced to chromium ion
d. dichromate ion is being oxidized to chromium ion
e. sulphuric acid is being oxidized to sulphate ion

Answer 1

The correct answer is c. Check out the others.
a. sulphuric acid is being reduced to sulphate ion
b. ethanol is being reduced to acetic acid
c. dichromate ion is being reduced to chromium ion
d. dichromate ion is being oxidized to chromium ion
e. sulphuric acid is being oxidized to sulphate ion

a can't be true. SO4 of H2SO4 is still SO4. Neither oxidized nor reduced.
b can't be true. Ethanol is being oxidized to acetic acid.
c is correct.
d can't be right. dichromate (Cr is +6) is going to Cr(3+). Gain of electrons is reduction and not oxidation.
e can't be right. see a.
Be sure you understand each of these.