Answer:
The Fe increases its oxidation number from 0 to +2, it means that electrons are lost, therefore the Fe is the reducing agent and is the oxidized substance.
Explanation:
1. First write down the chemical equation:
[tex]Fe+_{2}HCl=FeCl_{2}+H_{2}[/tex]
2. Then determine the oxidation numbers for each compound:
[tex]Fe^{0} +_{2}H^{+1}Cl^{-1}=Fe^{+2}Cl^{-1}_{2}+H^{0}_{2}[/tex]
3. Write the elements that change its oxidation number:
- [tex]H[/tex]
[tex]H^{+1}[/tex] → [tex]H^{0}[/tex]
The H decreases its oxidation number from +1 to 0, it means that electrons are gained, therefore the H is the oxidizing agent and is the reduced substance.
- [tex]Fe[/tex]
[tex]Fe^{0}[/tex] → [tex]Fe^{+2}[/tex]
The Fe increases its oxidation number from 0 to +2, it means that electrons are lost, therefore the Fe is the reducing agent and is the oxidized substance.
