What species is reduced in the reaction below? Zn° + 2 Ag+ → Zn2+ + 2 Agº?
A) Znº
B) Agº
C) Zn2+
D) Ag+

The correct option is D)

Explanation:

The oxidation reaction is defined as the reaction in which a chemical species loses electrons in a chemical reaction. It occurs when oxidation number of a species increases.

A reduction reaction is defined as the reaction in which a chemical species gains electrons in a chemical reaction. It occurs when oxidation number of a species decreases.

For the given chemical reaction:

On the reactant side:

Oxidation number of Zn = 0

Oxidation number of Ag = +1

On the product side:

Oxidation number of Zn = +2

Oxidation number of Ag = 0

As the oxidation number of Ag is decreasing from +1 to 0. Thus, is getting reduced.

Hence, the correct option is D)