In a reaction between zinc and Iodine, zinc iodide is formed. Which is being oxidised?

Options

A. Zinc ions
B. Iodide ions
C. Zinc atom
D. Iodine

Answer

To determine which substance is being oxidized in the reaction between zinc and iodine to form zinc iodide (ZnI2), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Reactants and Products
The reactants in this reaction are zinc (Zn) and iodine (I2), and the product is zinc iodide (ZnI2).

### Step 2: Determine the Oxidation States
- The oxidation state of elemental zinc (Zn) is 0.
- The oxidation state of elemental iodine (I2) is also 0.
- In zinc iodide (ZnI2), iodine has an oxidation state of -1. Since there are two iodine atoms, the total contribution from iodine is -2.
- To balance the charges in ZnI2, zinc must have an oxidation state of +2.

### Step 3: Compare the Oxidation States
- Zinc changes from an oxidation state of 0 (in Zn) to +2 (in ZnI2).
- Iodine changes from an oxidation state of 0 (in I2) to -1 (in ZnI2).

### Step 4: Identify Oxidation and Reduction
- Oxidation is defined as the loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation state.
- Reduction is defined as the gain of electrons or a decrease in oxidation state.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Since zinc's oxidation state increases from 0 to +2, zinc is being oxidized. Conversely, iodine is being reduced as its oxidation state decreases from 0 to -1.

### Final Answer
**Zinc is being oxidized in the reaction between zinc and iodine to form zinc iodide.**

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