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Question: Which oxide does not react as a reducing agent? A.\(NO\) B.\(N{O_2}\) C.\({N_2}O\) D.\({N_2}...

Which oxide does not react as a reducing agent?
A.NONO
B.NO2N{O_2}
C.N2O{N_2}O
D.N2O5{N_2}{O_5}

Explanation

Solution

Oxidation is the process in which an element loses electrons or hydrogen, or gains oxygen. A reducing agent oxidizes itself (undergoes oxidation) by reducing another element.

Complete step by step answer:
We will start with calculating the oxidation states of N atoms in each of the given oxides. O atom is present in -2 state in all the oxides.
Since, all the oxides are neutral molecules (have overall charge equal to zero), therefore, we will equate the equation to zero. (For example, x+y=0x + y = 0)
For NONO,
x + ( - 2) = 0 \\\ \Rightarrow x = + 2 \\\
For NO2N{O_2},
x + (2 \times - 2) = 0 \\\ \Rightarrow x - 4 = 0 \\\ \Rightarrow x = + 4 \\\
For N2O{N_2}O,
2x + ( - 2) = 0 \\\ \Rightarrow 2x = + 2 \\\ \Rightarrow x = \dfrac{{ + 2}}{2} \\\ \Rightarrow x = + 1 \\\
For N2O5{N_2}{O_5},
2x + (5 \times - 2) = 0 \\\ \Rightarrow 2x - 10 = 0 \\\ \Rightarrow 2x = + 10 \\\ \Rightarrow x = \dfrac{{ + 10}}{2} \\\ \Rightarrow x = + 5 \\\
The highest possible oxidation state of N is +5.
In NONO, the oxidation state of N is +2 and by losing electrons it can acquire higher oxidation states and act as a reducing agent.
In NO2N{O_2}, the oxidation state of N is +4 which is a high oxidation state and acquiring further higher oxidation number requires a high amount of energy in order to lose electrons. Therefore, it acts as a strong oxidizing agent.
In N2O{N_2}O, the oxidation state of N is +1 and by losing electrons it can acquire higher oxidation states. Therefore, it acts as a strong reducing agent.
In N2O5{N_2}{O_5}, the oxidation state of N is +5. Here, N is in its highest possible oxidation state and can only accept electrons thereby lowering its oxidation state. Hence, it acts as a strong oxidizing agent.
Thus, NO2N{O_2} and N2O5{N_2}{O_5} do not act as reducing agents. They are good oxidizing agents.

Hence option B and D are correct.

Note:
Reactions that involve oxidation and reduction of elements or compounds are called redox reactions.