In the reaction CuO + H₂ → Cu + H₂O, which substance is oxidised?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (b) Hydrogen

Explanation:

• Oxidation is classically defined in chemistry as either the addition of oxygen to a substance or the removal of hydrogen from a substance.

• In the specific chemical reaction provided:
CuO + H₂ → Cu + H₂O, hydrogen gas (H₂) accepts an oxygen atom to form water (H₂O).

• Because the reactant H₂ gains oxygen during the process, it is scientifically stated to be oxidised.

• Conversely, the reactant Copper oxide (CuO) loses its oxygen atom to become pure Copper (Cu) and is therefore reduced.

• This combined exchange is a classic textbook example of a Redox (Reduction–Oxidation) reaction.

Information Booster:

• In any redox reaction, the substance that gets oxidised acts as a reducing agent (Hydrogen in this case).

• The substance that gets reduced acts as an oxidising agent (Copper oxide in this reaction).

Additional Knowledge:

Copper oxide (Option a)
• This reactant substance is reduced during the reaction because it loses oxygen.

Copper (Option c)
• This is the product formed after the reduction of copper oxide.

Water (Option d)
• This is the product formed due to the oxidation of hydrogen.