Question

Consider the reacton of water with `F_(2)` and suggest, in terms of oxidation and reduction, which species are oxidised/reduced.

Answer 1

`underset(("Reducant"))(2H_(2)O_(l))+underset(("Oxidant"))(2F_(2)(g))toO_(2)(g)+4H_(aq)^(o+)+overset((1-))(4F_(aq)^(Θ))`
`underset(("Reducant"))(3H_(2)O_(l))+underset(("Oxidant"))(3F_(2)(g))toO_(3)(g)+6H_(aq)^(o+)+overset((1-))(6F_(aq)^(Θ))`
In the above reactions, `H_(2)O` acts as a reducing agent as it gets oxidised to either `O_(2)` or `O_(3)`. On the other hand, `F_(2)` acts as an oxidisig agent, as it gets reduced to `F^(ө)` ion.