In this reaction, what is the substance oxidized? Zn + 2HCl => ZnCl2 + H2?

Whenever they ask you about which substance got oxidized always ignore the compounds such as ZnCl2 as the answer. When we look at zinc, it has an oxidizing state of 0. However when it reacts with chlorine, it gives away two electrons to clorine in order to react and achieve a full outer shell. Oxidation is the loss of electrons, gain of oxygen or loss of hydrogen. In this case zinc lost electrons and so zinc got oxidized...the answer is d...i hope this helped.