In which of the following reactions is the metal species reduced?
(A) 2FeCl2(aq) + Cl2(g) → 2FeCl3(aq)
(B) Cu(s) + 2O2(g) → Cu(s) + SO2(g)
(C) 2Al(OH)3(aq) → Al2O3(s) + 3H2O(l)
(D) Ca(s) + 2HCl(aq) → CaCl2(aq) + H2(g) - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 20 - 2060 - Paper 1
Question 20
In which of the following reactions is the metal species reduced?
(A) 2FeCl2(aq) + Cl2(g) → 2FeCl3(aq)
(B) Cu(s) + 2O2(g) → Cu(s) + SO2(g)
(C) 2Al(OH)3(aq) → Al2O... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In which of the following reactions is the metal species reduced?
(A) 2FeCl2(aq) + Cl2(g) → 2FeCl3(aq)
(B) Cu(s) + 2O2(g) → Cu(s) + SO2(g)
(C) 2Al(OH)3(aq) → Al2O3(s) + 3H2O(l)
(D) Ca(s) + 2HCl(aq) → CaCl2(aq) + H2(g) - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 20 - 2060 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify Reduction in Reaction (A)
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Answer
In this reaction, iron (Fe) is oxidized from +2 to +3 oxidation state as it combines with Cl2, rather than being reduced.
Step 2
Identify Reduction in Reaction (B)
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Answer
In this reaction, there is no reduction occurring for Cu, as it remains as elemental copper (Cu) on the reactant side.
Step 3
Identify Reduction in Reaction (C)
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Answer
In this reaction, aluminum (Al) in Al(OH)3 is transformed into Al2O3. No reduction is occurring as it is more of a dehydration process.
Step 4
Identify Reduction in Reaction (D)
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Answer
In this reaction, calcium (Ca) is oxidized to Ca2+ as it reacts with HCl, producing H2 gas. Thus, the metal is not reduced.
Step 5
Conclusion
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Answer
None of the reactions lists a reduced metal species, indicating that the provided options imply no reduction occurs. However, the reaction that most closely matches the definition of a reduction is that of Ca in part D as it reflects a change in oxidation state, leading to the conclusion that D is the answer: in this context 'reduction' can imply lessening in reactivity.
