Question

MnO₂ + 4HCl → MnCl₂ + 2H₂O + Cl₂
The reaction given above is a redox reaction because in this case:

• A. MnO₂ is oxidised and HCl is reduced.
• B. HCl is oxidised.
• C. MnO₂ is reduced.
• D. MnO₂ is reduced and HCl is oxidised.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding redox reactions:
A redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction involves the transfer of electrons between substances. In such reactions, one substance undergoes reduction (gains electrons), while another undergoes oxidation (loses electrons).

Step 2: Analyzing the given reaction:
The reaction is:
MnO₂ + 4HCl → MnCl₂ + 2H₂O + Cl₂

We can break this reaction into half-reactions to identify the oxidation and reduction processes: Oxidation half-reaction:
- In HCl, chlorine (Cl) has an oxidation state of -1. In Cl₂, chlorine has an oxidation state of 0. The chlorine atoms lose electrons (oxidation).
Reduction half-reaction:
- In MnO₂, manganese (Mn) has an oxidation state of +4. In MnCl₂, manganese has an oxidation state of +2. Manganese gains electrons (reduction).

Step 3: Conclusion:
In this reaction, MnO₂ is reduced (it gains electrons), and HCl is oxidized (chlorine loses electrons). Therefore, the correct answer is MnO₂ is reduced and HCl is oxidized.