Identify the correct statement(s) in relation to the following reaction.
`Zn+2HCl to ZnCl_(2)+H_(2)`

Options

A. Zinc is acting as an oxidant
B. Chlorine is acting as a reductant
C. Hydrogen ion is acting as an oxidant
D. Zinc is acting as a reductant

Answer

c,d

Explanation

Writing the oxidation number of each element above its symbol, so that
`overset(0)(Zn)+2overset(+1)(H)overset(-1)(Cl)to overset(+2)(Zn)overset(-1)(Cl_(2))+overset(0)(H_(2))`
(a) The oxidation number of Zn increases from 0 in Zn to +2 in `ZnCl_(2)`, therefore, Zn acts as a reductant. Thus, option (a) is incorrect
(b) The oxidation number of chlorine does not change, therefore, it neither acts as a reductant nor an oxidant. Therefore, option (b) is incorrect.
( c) The oxidant number of hydrogen decreases from +1 in `H^(+)` to 0 in `H_(2)`. therefore, `H^(+)` acts acts as an oxidant. Thus, option ( c) is correct
(d) As explained in option (a), Zn acts as reductant, therefore, it cannot act as an oxidant. Thus, option (d) is correct.