Which of the statements about the reaction below is/are correct?
2ZnO (s) + C (s) = 2 Zn (s) + CO_2 (g)
(i) Zinc is getting reduced
(ii) Carbon is getting oxidized
(iii) Zinc is getting oxidized.
(iv) Carbon is getting reduced

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) Both (i) and (ii).

Explanation:

•  In this reaction, Zinc oxide (ZnO) loses oxygen to form metallic Zinc (Zn). The loss of oxygen from a substance is defined as reduction. Therefore, Zinc oxide is the substance being reduced.
• Carbon (C) gains oxygen to form carbon dioxide (CO2​). The gain of oxygen by a substance is defined as oxidation. Therefore, Carbon is the substance being oxidized.
• It is important to note that oxidation and reduction always occur on the reactants. Statements (iii) and (iv) are incorrect because Zinc is a product, and Carbon is gaining oxygen, not losing it.

Information Booster:

• Redox Reaction: A chemical reaction where oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously.
• Oxidizing Agent: The substance that provides oxygen (or undergoes reduction). Here, ZnO is the oxidizing agent.
• Reducing Agent: The substance that removes oxygen (or undergoes oxidation). Here, Carbon (C) is the reducing agent.
• Electronic Concept: In terms of electrons, Oxidation is the Loss of electrons (OIL), and Reduction is the Gain of electrons (RIG).

Additional Knowledge:

• Zinc oxide is getting reduced: Correct. ZnO→Zn represents the removal of oxygen.
• Carbon is getting oxidized: Correct. C→CO2​ represents the addition of oxygen.
• Zinc is getting oxidized: Incorrect. Zinc (Zn) is a product. Furthermore, the process moving from ZnO to Zn is reduction.
• Carbon is getting reduced: Incorrect. Carbon is the reducing agent, meaning it gets oxidized itself by gaining oxygen.