Question

When hydrogen peroxide is added to an acidified solution of KI, iodine (I₂) is liberated. In this case, hydrogen peroxide acts as?
 

• A. A weak acid
• B. A strong acid
• C. Oxidizing agent
• D. Reducing agent

Hint:

Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used as an oxidizing agent in many chemical reactions, where it facilitates the oxidation of substances like iodide ions (I⁻) to iodine (I₂).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

In this reaction, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) acts as an oxidizing agent because it facilitates the liberation of iodine (I₂) from potassium iodide (KI) in an acidic solution. The iodine (I₂) is formed when the hydrogen peroxide oxidizes the iodide ions (I^-) to iodine. This behavior of hydrogen peroxide is characteristic of its role as an oxidizing agent in various reactions.
- A weak acid: Hydrogen peroxide does not behave as a weak acid in this reaction, as it doesn't release H⁺ ions in the same way as a typical weak acid.
- A strong acid: Although hydrogen peroxide can release H⁺ ions, it is not considered a strong acid, as it doesn't ionize completely.
- Oxidizing agent: This is the correct answer because hydrogen peroxide is known for its oxidizing properties, facilitating the oxidation of iodide ions to iodine in this case.
- Reducing agent: Hydrogen peroxide is not acting as a reducing agent here, as it is not donating electrons to reduce another species; instead, it is accepting electrons.
Thus, hydrogen peroxide is acting as an oxidizing agent in this reaction.