Animated Solution for Chemistry - s and p-Block Elements: Given below are two statements. Statement I: ${\text{H}}_2{\text{O}}_2$ can act as both oxidising and reducing agent in basic medium. Statement II: In the hydrogen economy, the energy is transmitted in the form of dihydrogen. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below :

Let's unravel the chemistry behind this intriguing question. We are presented with two statements, and our goal is to determine their validity. The first statement claims that hydrogen peroxide ($H_2{O}_2$) can act as both an oxidising and a reducing agent in a basic medium. To understand if this is true, we need to look at the oxidation state of oxygen in $H_2{O}_2$.

In a molecule of hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen typically exhibits an oxidation state of $+1$. Since the molecule as a whole is neutral, the two oxygen atoms must collectively balance the $+2$ charge from the hydrogen atoms. This means each oxygen atom has an oxidation state of $-1$.

This $-1$ oxidation state is crucial because it is an intermediate state for oxygen. Oxygen's most common stable state is $-2$ (as in water, $H_{2}O$), and its elemental state is $0$ (as in oxygen gas, $O_2$).

Because oxygen in $H_2{O}_2$ is at an intermediate state, it has the chemical flexibility to either gain or lose electrons.

If $H_2{O}_2$ gains electrons, the oxidation state of oxygen decreases from $-1$ to $-2$, forming water ($H_{2}O$). In this process, $H_2{O}_2$ undergoes reduction, which means it forces another substance to get oxidised. Thus, it acts as an oxidising agent.

Conversely, if $H_2{O}_2$ loses electrons, the oxidation state of oxygen increases from $-1$ to $0$, releasing oxygen gas ($O_2$). Here, $H_2{O}_2$ undergoes oxidation, meaning it acts as a reducing agent for another substance. This dual capability is present in both acidic and basic mediums. Therefore, Statement I is absolutely correct.

Now, let's shift our focus to Statement II, which discusses the hydrogen economy. The hydrogen economy is a visionary framework for a future energy infrastructure.

Instead of relying on fossil fuels or transmitting energy solely through electrical grids, the hydrogen economy proposes using dihydrogen gas ($H_2$) as the primary medium for storing and transporting energy. Hydrogen is an excellent energy carrier because it has a high calorific value and produces only water as a byproduct when combusted or used in fuel cells, making it incredibly clean.

Statement II correctly states that in the hydrogen economy, energy is transmitted in the form of dihydrogen. Therefore, Statement II is also true. Since both statements are factually correct, the right choice is the option stating that both Statement I and Statement II are true.