How does `Cu_(2)O` act as both oxidant and reductant? Explain with proper reactions showing the change of oxidation numbers in each example

Explanation

To understand how \( \text{Cu}_2\text{O} \) (copper(I) oxide) can act as both an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent, we need to analyze its oxidation states and the reactions it undergoes.

### Step 1: Determine the oxidation state of copper in \( \text{Cu}_2\text{O} \)

In \( \text{Cu}_2\text{O} \):
- Let the oxidation state of Cu be \( x \).
- The oxidation state of oxygen (O) is -2.
- The overall charge of the compound is 0.
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