Consider the following unbalanced redox reaction:
`H_(2)O+AX+BYrarrHA+OY+X_(2)B`
The oxidation number of `X` is `-2` and niether `X` nor water is involved in the redox process.
The elements(s) undergoing oxidation is`//`are

Options

A. `A`
B. `B`
C. `Y`
D. `B` or `Y` or both

Answer

D

Explanation

Oxidation state of `X= -2 implies overset(+2)Aoverset(-2)X`
Oxidation state of `O= -2impliesoverset(-2+2)(OY)`
Oxidation state of `X= -2implies overset(-2xx2+4)(X_(2)B`

`e^(-)+A^(2+)rarrA^(1-)` (reduction)
`overset(+a-a)(BY)rarrB^(4+)+Y^(2+)`(oxidation)
Therefore, `B or Y` or both might have been oxidised.