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Look at the ionic equation - OCR Gateway - GCSE Chemistry: Combined Science - Question 8 - 2021 - Paper 9
Question 8
Look at the ionic equation. Mg(s) + Cu^{2+}(aq) → Mg^{2+}(aq) + Cu(s) Which species is reduced? A. Cu(s) B. Cu^{2+}(aq) C. Mg(s) D. Mg^{2+}(aq) Your answer
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Look at the ionic equation - OCR Gateway - GCSE Chemistry: Combined Science - Question 8 - 2021 - Paper 9
Step 1
Which species is reduced?
Answer
To determine which species is reduced in the given reaction, we need to analyze the oxidation states of the elements involved.
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Look at the oxidation states:
- Magnesium (Mg) starts in the elemental form with an oxidation state of 0 and becomes Mg^{2+} with an oxidation state of +2.
- Copper ions (Cu^{2+}) have an oxidation state of +2 in the reactants and are reduced to elemental copper (Cu) with an oxidation state of 0.
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Identify the changes:
- Mg is oxidized because it loses electrons (0 to +2).
- Cu^{2+} is reduced because it gains electrons (from +2 to 0).
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Conclusion: The species that is reduced in this reaction is Cu^{2+}(aq). Therefore, the correct answer is B.