Question

Statement 1: $O _3$ can act as an oxidizing agent as well as a reducing agent, but $SO _2$ can act only as an oxidant
Statement 2: The oxidation number of $O$ in $O _3$ is zero, and the oxidation number of $S _{\text {in }} SO _2$ is $+4$

• A. Statement 1 is True, Statement 2 is True; Statement 2 is correct explanation for Statement 1
• B. Statement 1 is True, Statement 2 is True; Statement 2 is not correct explanation for Statement 1
• C. Statement 1 is True, Statement 2 is False
• D. Statement 1 is False, Statement 2 is True

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Correct (A): $SO _2$ can act both as an oxidizing and a reducing agent. $O _3$ can act only as an oxidant
Reason: The oxidation number of 0 in $O _3$ is zero.It can only decrease from zero to $-1$ or $-2$ but cannot increase to $+2$. Therefore, it can act as an oxidant only. In $SO _2$ the oxidation number of $S$ is $+4$. It can have a minimum oxidation number of $-2$ and maximum of $+6$. Its oxidation number either decreases or increases, and hence, it can act both as an oxidizing and a reducing agent