Define oxidation in terms of change in oxidation number - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question b - 2006
Question b
Define oxidation in terms of change in oxidation number.
What is the oxidation number of (i) chlorine in NaClO and (ii) nitrogen in NO₂?
State and explain the oxid... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Define oxidation in terms of change in oxidation number - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question b - 2006
Step 1
Define oxidation in terms of change in oxidation number
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Answer
Oxidation can be defined as an increase in oxidation number. This generally occurs when an element loses electrons and thus its oxidation state increases.
Step 2
What is the oxidation number of (i) chlorine in NaClO
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Answer
The oxidation number of chlorine in NaClO is +1.
Step 3
What is the oxidation number of (ii) nitrogen in NO₂
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The oxidation number of nitrogen in NO₂ is +4.
Step 4
State and explain the oxidation number of oxygen in the compound OF₂
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The oxidation number of oxygen in OF₂ is +2. This is because oxygen is more electropositive in this context compared to fluorine, which is the more electronegative element.
Step 5
Identify the reducing agent
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In the reaction between acidified potassium manganate(VII) and potassium iodide, the reducing agent is potassium iodide (I⁻).
Step 6
Predict the colour change you would expect to see if you carried out this reaction
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The initial colour of the potassium manganate(VII) solution is purple. Upon reaction, it changes to yellow due to the formation of Mn²⁺ ions, while the iodine produced imparts a brown/red colour.
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