Question

In the following reaction, is the nitrogen reduced or oxidized? 2Cu2O + 2NO 4CuO + N2

Answer 1

In the following reaction, the nitrogen is reduced.
2Cu2O + 2NO → 4CuO + N2

Answer 2

Nitrogen has reduced.

In the reaction, Cu₂O goes to CuO.
Oxidation state in
Cu₂O = +1 CuO = +2
2a + (-2) x 1 = 0 a + (-2) x 1 = 0
2a = +2 a = +2
a = 1
Hence, Cu has oxidized.

NO goes to N₂ by reducing its oxidation state from +2 to 0.
Oxidation state in
NO = +2
a + (-2) x 1 = 0
a = +2