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: Write the balanced chemical equation
The reaction between zinc and iodine can be represented as:
\[ \text{Zn} + \text{I}_2 \rightarrow \text{ZnI}_2 \]

### Step 2: Assign oxidation states
Next, we need to assign oxidation states to each element in the reaction:
- Zinc (Zn) in its elemental form has an oxidation state of 0.
- Iodine (I) in its elemental form (I2) also has an oxidation state of 0.
- In zinc iodide (ZnI2), zinc has an oxidation state of +2 (since it forms Zn^2+ ions) and iodine has an oxidation state of -1 (since it forms I^- ions).

### Step 3: Identify changes in oxidation states
Now, we can analyze the changes in oxidation states:
- Zinc changes from 0 (in Zn) to +2 (in ZnI2), indicating that zinc is losing electrons and is therefore being oxidized.
- Iodine changes from 0 (in I2) to -1 (in ZnI2), indicating that iodine is gaining electrons and is being reduced.

### Step 4: Conclusion
Since oxidation is defined as the loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation state, we conclude that the substance being oxidized in this reaction is the zinc atom.

### Final Answer
The substance being oxidized is the **zinc atom**.

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