Glucose, C6H12O6, is a simple sugar that the body metabolizes into two molecules of pyruvic acid, C3H403. Is the glucose oxidized or reduced as it transforms into pyruvic acid?
A) The glucose is oxidized.
B) The glucose is reduced.
C) Parts of the glucose molecule are oxidized while others are reduced.
D) Glucose is neither oxidized or reduced as it transforms into pyruvic acid.
Question 2
When lightning strikes, nitrogen molecules, N2, and oxygen molecules, O2, in the air react to form nitrates, NO3, which come down in the rain to help fertilize the soil. Is this this an example of oxidation or reduction?
A) The formation of nitrates is an example of oxidation.
B) The formation of nitrates is an example of reduction.
C) Both. The nitrogen is oxidized as it reacts with the oxygen while the oxygen is reduced.
D) Neither. Although the bonds of both the N2 and O2 molecules are broken to form the NO3, neither oxidation nor reduction occurs.