In the reaction
`Cu+ underset((Conc.))(H_(2)SO_(4))to CuSO_(4) +SO_(2) +H_(2)O`
`H_(2)SO_(4)` behaves w.r.t. Cu as

Options

A. Dehydrating agent
B. oxidising agent
C. An acid
D. All of these

Answer

To determine how concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) behaves with respect to copper (Cu) in the reaction:

\[ \text{Cu} + \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \rightarrow \text{CuSO}_4 + \text{SO}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \]

we can analyze the reaction step by step.

### Step 1: Identify the Reactants and Products
The reactants are copper (Cu) and concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄). The products of the reaction are copper(II) sulfate (CuSO₄), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and water (H₂O).

**Hint:** Always start by identifying the reactants and products in a chemical reaction.

### Step 2: Determine the Oxidation States
Next, we need to determine the oxidation states of copper in the reactants and products:
- In elemental form, copper (Cu) has an oxidation state of 0.
- In copper(II) sulfate (CuSO₄), copper has an oxidation state of +2.

**Hint:** Assign oxidation states to elements in compounds to track changes during the reaction.

### Step 3: Analyze the Change in Oxidation State
The oxidation state of copper changes from 0 in the reactants to +2 in the products. This indicates that copper is losing electrons, which means it is being oxidized.

**Hint:** A change in oxidation state indicates whether a substance is being oxidized or reduced.

### Step 4: Identify the Role of H₂SO₄
Since copper is being oxidized, we need to determine the role of concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) in this process. The fact that it facilitates the oxidation of copper means that it must be acting as an oxidizing agent.

**Hint:** An oxidizing agent is a substance that causes another substance to be oxidized while itself being reduced.

### Step 5: Consider Other Possible Roles of H₂SO₄
While H₂SO₄ can act as a dehydrating agent and an acid, in this specific reaction, it does not donate protons (H⁺) to copper nor does it primarily act as a dehydrating agent. Its main role here is to oxidize copper.

**Hint:** Evaluate whether the substance is acting in multiple roles or just one based on the context of the reaction.

### Conclusion
In this reaction, concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) behaves as an **oxidizing agent** with respect to copper.

**Final Answer:** H₂SO₄ behaves as an oxidizing agent in this reaction.

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