The following reaction occurs in a car’s catalytic converter.

2no(g) + 2co(g) ==> n2(g) + 2co2(g)
which answer best describes the reducing and oxidizing processes in this reaction?
no and co are both reducing agents.
no and co are both oxidizing agents.
the oxidation state of nitrogen in no changes from +2 to 0, and the oxidation state of carbon in co changes from +2 to +4 as the reaction proceeds.
the oxidation state of nitrogen in no changes from 0 to +2, and the oxidation state of carbon in co changes from +4 to +2 as the reaction proceeds.

The correct answer is ;

The oxidation state of nitrogen in NO changes from +2 to 0, and the oxidation state of carbon in CO changes from +2 to +4 as the reaction proceeds.

Explanation:

In an oxidation recation addition of oxygen atom takes place or loss of electrons takes place.

In an reduction reaction removal of oxygen atom takes place or gain of electrons takes place.

In the given reaction , the nitrogen atom is present in +2 oxidation state in NO molecule and present in 0 oxidation state in molecule. Hence, nitrogen is getting reduced that is reduction reaction. NO is oxidizing agent

In the given reaction , the carbon atom is present in +2 oxidation state in CO molecule and present in +4 oxidation state in molecule. Hence ,carbon is getting oxidized that is oxidation reaction. CO is a reducing agent.

The correct statement is the oxidation state of nitrogen in NO changes from +2 to 0, and the oxidation state of carbon in CO changes from +2 to +4 as the reaction proceeds.

Explanation:

Oxidizing agent is the agent which oxidizes the other substance and itself gets reduced. The reaction it undergoes is reduction reaction. It gains electrons and the oxidation state of the substance gets reduced.

Reducing agent is the agent which reduced the other substance and itself gets oxidized. The reaction it undergoes is oxidation reaction. It looses its electrons and the oxidation state of the substance is increased

For the given chemical equation:

On reactant side:

Oxidation state of Nitrogen = +2

Oxidation state of Carbon = +2

Oxidation state of Oxygen = -2

On product side:

Oxidation state of Nitrogen = 0

Oxidation state of Carbon = +4

Oxidation state of Oxygen = -2

The oxidation state of carbon is increasing from +2 to +4, it is loosing electrons and thus it is undergoing oxidation reaction and CO is considered as a reducing agent. And the oxidation state of Nitrogen in reducing from +2 to 0, it is gaining electrons and thus it is undergoing reduction reaction and  is considered as an oxidizing agent.

Hence, the correct statement is the oxidation state of nitrogen in NO changes from +2 to 0, and the oxidation state of carbon in CO changes from +2 to +4 as the reaction proceeds.