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.
\(X\rightarrow X^{n+}+ne^-\)
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.
\(X^{n+}+ne^-\rightarrow X\)
In a redox reaction, one atom loose electrons and another atom gains electrons.
For the given chemical reaction:
\(C(s)+H_2O(g)\rightarrow CO(g)+H_2(g)\)
Oxidation half reaction: \(C(s)\rightarrow C^{2+}+2e^-\)
Reduction half reaction: \(2H^++2e^-\rightarrow H_2\)
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.
