In Sn + 2 HCl → SnCl2 + H2, which species is reduced?

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Multiple Choice

In Sn + 2 HCl → SnCl2 + H2, which species is reduced?

Explanation:
In redox processes, the substance that gains electrons is reduced. Here, tin starts as elemental tin (oxidation state 0) and ends up as Sn2+ in SnCl2, meaning tin loses electrons and is oxidized. Hydrogen in hydrochloric acid starts with an oxidation state of +1 and appears as H2 in the products, where each hydrogen is 0. That gain of electrons shows hydrogen is reduced. Chlorine stays at -1 throughout, so it doesn’t undergo a change. A quick way to see it is the half-reactions: Sn → Sn2+ + 2 e− (oxidation) and 2 H+ + 2 e− → H2 (reduction). Therefore, the species reduced is hydrogen.

In redox processes, the substance that gains electrons is reduced. Here, tin starts as elemental tin (oxidation state 0) and ends up as Sn2+ in SnCl2, meaning tin loses electrons and is oxidized. Hydrogen in hydrochloric acid starts with an oxidation state of +1 and appears as H2 in the products, where each hydrogen is 0. That gain of electrons shows hydrogen is reduced. Chlorine stays at -1 throughout, so it doesn’t undergo a change. A quick way to see it is the half-reactions: Sn → Sn2+ + 2 e− (oxidation) and 2 H+ + 2 e− → H2 (reduction). Therefore, the species reduced is hydrogen.

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