Answer: The carbon and hydrogen atoms fight for the electrons.
Explanation:
Redox reactions are defined as the reactions in which reduction and oxidation reactions occur simultaneously.
Oxidation reaction is defined as the reaction in which a substance looses its electrons. The oxidation state of this substance is increased and the substance gets oxidized.
[tex]X\rightarrow X^{n+}+ne^-[/tex]
Reduction reaction is defined as the reaction in which a substance gains electrons. The oxidation state of this substance gets reduced and the substance gets reduced.
[tex]X^{n+}+ne^-\rightarrow X[/tex]
In a redox reaction, one atom loose electrons and another atom gains electrons.
For the given chemical reaction:
[tex]C(s)+H_2O(g)\rightarrow CO(g)+H_2(g)[/tex]
Oxidation half reaction: [tex]C(s)\rightarrow C^{2+}+2e^-[/tex]
Reduction half reaction: [tex]2H^++2e^-\rightarrow H_2[/tex]
As, carbon is loosing electrons. so, it is getting oxidized and hydrogen is gaining electrons. So, it is getting reduced.
Hence, the carbon and hydrogen atoms fight for the electrons.
