Lead(II) oxide can be converted to metallic lead by reaction with carbon monoxide. The other product of the reaction is carbon dioxide.

(a) Write the balanced equation for this reaction.

(b) Assign oxidation numbers to each element in the reactants and products, and indicate which element is oxidized and which is reduced.

Strategy

First, write a properly balanced chemical equation. Then use the rules to assign the oxidation numbers, and identify the elements that gain and lose electrons in the reaction.