Chapter 5, Problem 5.19E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The oxidizing and reducing agents in the given reaction of Haber process for producing ammonia from elemental nitrogen and hydrogen are to be identified.

Concept introduction:

In redox reactions, the process oxidation and reduction takes place simultaneously. The process of oxidation takes place when electrons are lost (increase in oxidation number) and the process of reduction takes place when electrons are added (decrease in oxidation number). In redox reactions, the substance which is oxidized (lose electrons) is known as reducing agent and the one which is reduced (accepts electron) is known as oxidizing agent. Thus, for oxidizing agent oxidation number decreases and for reducing agent it increases.