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Define oxidation in terms of (i) electron transfer, (ii) change in oxidation number - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question b - 2020

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Define oxidation in terms of (i) electron transfer, (ii) change in oxidation number. The 2019 Nobel Prize for Chemistry was awarded to three scientists for their wo... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Define oxidation in terms of (i) electron transfer, (ii) change in oxidation number - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question b - 2020

Step 1

Define oxidation in terms of electron transfer

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Answer

Oxidation can be defined as the process in which there is a loss of electrons from an atom or ion. This results in an increase in the oxidation state of the substance undergoing oxidation.

Step 2

Define oxidation in terms of change in oxidation number

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Answer

Oxidation also refers to a change in oxidation number, where the oxidation number of an element increases during a chemical reaction, indicating that the element loses electrons.

Step 3

Assign oxidation numbers and determine which element is reduced in this reaction

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Answer

In the reaction:

LiCoO2+CoC+LiCoO2LiCoO_2 + Co \rightarrow C + LiCoO_2

The oxidation numbers are as follows:

  • Li: +1,
  • Co in LiCoO2: +3,
  • Co: 0,
  • C: 0 (since it is in elemental form) The element that is reduced is Co, as it goes from an oxidation state of +3 to 0.

Step 4

Identify which element acts as the oxidizing agent

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Answer

Cobalt (Co) acts as the oxidizing agent in this reaction, as it gains electrons and is reduced from +3 to 0.

Step 5

Using oxidation numbers, or otherwise, balance the following redox reaction that occurs when a lead-acid rechargeable battery supplies electricity

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Answer

To balance the equation:

Pb+PbO2+2H+2Pb2++2H2OPb + PbO_2 + 2H^+ \rightarrow 2Pb^{2+} + 2H_2O

Assign oxidation numbers:

  • Pb: 0 (on the left),
  • PbO2: +4,
  • Pb2+: +2,
  • H+: +1,
  • H2O: 0 (for O) The balanced equation reflects the conservation of mass and charge.

Step 6

Why is the recycling of batteries desirable?

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Answer

The recycling of batteries is desirable for several reasons, including:

  • To avoid pollution of waterways by heavy metals that can cause environmental damage.
  • The recovery of valuable materials that can be reused in new batteries.
  • To reduce the need for new raw materials, promoting sustainable development and environmentally friendly practices.

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