The Reaction:
2 H₂ (g) + O₂ (g) → 2 H₂O (l)
Oxidation:
* Hydrogen (H₂) is oxidized. Oxidation is the loss of electrons. In this reaction, each hydrogen atom loses an electron to become a hydrogen ion (H⁺).
Bond Formation:
* Covalent bonds are formed. Water (H₂O) is formed by the sharing of electrons between hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Each oxygen atom shares two electrons with two hydrogen atoms, forming two covalent bonds.
Explanation:
1. Reactants: Gaseous hydrogen (H₂) and gaseous oxygen (O₂) are the starting materials.
2. Combustion: When hydrogen burns, it reacts rapidly with oxygen, releasing energy in the form of heat and light.
3. Electron Transfer: Hydrogen atoms, which have a lower electronegativity than oxygen, lose electrons and become positively charged (H⁺). Oxygen atoms gain these electrons and become negatively charged (O²⁻).
4. Water Formation: The positively charged hydrogen ions (H⁺) and negatively charged oxygen ions (O²⁻) attract each other and form covalent bonds, creating water molecules (H₂O).
Summary:
* Oxidized molecule: Hydrogen (H₂)
* Bond formed: Covalent bonds in the water molecule (H₂O)