REDOX REACTIONS - REVISION 1

Solved Examples
1. Assign oxidation numbers to the underlined elements in 7. Arrange the following metals in the order in which they
each of the following species: (NCERT) displace each other from the solution of their salts.
(a) NaH2PO4 (b) NaHSO4 Al, Cu, Fe, Mg and Zn. (NCERT)
(c) H4P2O7 (d) K2MnO4 8. Which of the following is not an example of redox reaction?
(e) CaO2 (f) NaBH4 (a) CuO  H 2 
 Cu  H 2 O
(g) H2S2O7 (h) KAl(SO4)2.12 H2O
2. Find the average and individual oxidation number of Fe & (b) Fe 2 O3  3CO 
 2Fe  3CO 2
Pb in Fe3O4 & Pb3O4, which are mixed oxides.
(c) 2K  F2 
 2KF
3. Calculate individual oxidation number of each S-atom in
Na2S4O6 (sodium tetrathionate) with the help of its structure. (d) BaCl 2  H 2SO 4 
 BaSO 4  2HCl
4. Fluorine reacts with ice and results in the change: 9. Identify the redox reactions out of the following reactions
H2O(s) + F2(g)  HF(g) + HOF(g) and identify the oxidising and reducing agents in them.
Justify that this reaction is a redox reaction (NCERT)
(i) 3HCl(aq)  HNO3 (aq) 

3+
5. The Mn ion is unstable in solution and undergoes
disproportionation to give Mn2+, MnO2, and H+ ion. Write a Cl2 (g)  NOCl(g)  2H 2 O(l )
balanced ionic equation for the reaction. (NCERT)
(ii) HgCl2 (aq)  2KI(aq) 
 HgI2 (s)  2KCl(aq)
6. Balance the following equations :
(a) H 2 O 2  MnO 4 
 Mn 2  O 2 (acidic medium)

(b) Zn  HNO 3 (dil) 

 Zn(NO 3 ) 2  H 2O  NH 4 NO 3

(c) CrI3  KOH  Cl2 

 K 2CrO4  KIO4  KCl  H2O

(d) P2 H 4 
 PH 3  P4

(e) Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2  SiO 2  C 

 CaSiO3  P4  CO
REDOX REACTIONS - REVISION 2

EXERCISE – 1 : Basic Subjective Questions

1. What is oxidation in terms of electron transfer? Cu  NO 3 
 NO 2  Cu 2 
2. Write formula for Mercury(II) chloride.
Balance the equation by oxidation number method.
3. What is the Stock notation of chromium trioxide?
15. Write balanced equation for the following reactions :
4. What is the oxidation number of nitrogen in HN3?
(i) Reaction of liquid hydrazine (N2H4) with chlorate
5. CuSO4 (aq)  Zn(s)  Cu(s)  ZnSO 4 (aq)
This reaction is an example of ________.  
ion ClO3 in basic medium produces nitric oxide
6. (a) Define disproportionation reaction. gas and chloride ion in gaseous state.
(b) Identify the type of given reaction. (Balance by oxidation number method)
2H 2 O 2  2H 2 O  O2 (ii) Balance the following equation by half reaction
7. Calculate oxidation number of underlined element : method
(i) K2CrO4 (ii) H2SO4 Cr2 O 72   H   I   Cr 3  I 2  H 2 O
8. Justify that the following reactions are redox 16. Consider the following table of standard reduction
reactions : potentials:
(a) CuO  s   H 2  g   Cu  s   H 2 O  g  Reaction E0 (V)
(b) Fe2 O3  s   3CO  g   2Fe  s   3CO2  g 
A 3   2e   A  1.36
9. Calculate average oxidation state of S in
Tetrathionate ion. B 2   2e   B 0.72
10. Which of the two ClO 2 or ClO 4 show disproportio- C 2   2e   C –0.28
nation reaction and why?
11. Classify the following redox reaction giving reasons : D   e  D –1.42
(a) N 2  g   O2  g   2NO  g 
(b) 2Pb  NO 3 2  s   2PbO  s   4NO 2  g   O 2  g 
(a) Which substance is
(c) NaH  s   H 2 O  l   NaOH  aq   H 2  g  (i) Strongest oxidizing agent ?
12. Write the disproportionation reaction of the following (ii) Strongest reducing agent ?
species : (b) Which substances can be oxidized by B2+ ?
(a) ClO– (b) ClO 3 (c) ClO 2 (c) Which substance can be reduced by C ?
13. Identify the oxidant and reductant in the following (d) Write a balanced chemical equation for the overall
reactions : cell reaction that gives the highest cell voltage and
1 calculate Eo for the reaction.
(a) Zn  s   O 2  g   ZnO  s 
2
(b) CH4  g   4Cl2  g   CCl4  g   4HCl  g 
(c) I 2  aq   2S2 O32   aq   2I   aq   S4 O62   aq 
14. Copper reacts with nitric acid. A brown gas is formed
and the solution turns blue. The equation may be
written as:
REDOX REACTIONS - REVISION 3

EXERCISE – 2 : Basic Objective Questions

1. An oxidation process involves (c) Cu (d) Hg
(a) Increase in oxidation number 8. The correct order of reactivity of K, Mg, Zn and Cu
(b) Decrease in oxidation number with water according to the electrochemical series is
(c) Both decrease and increase in oxidation number (a) K > Mg > Zn > Cu (b) Mg > Zn > Cu > K
(d) No change in oxidation number (c) K > Zn > Mg > Cu (d) Cu > Zn > Mg > K
2. In the reaction, SO 2  2H 2S  3S  2H 2 O the 9. Which one of the following reactions involves
oxidation-reduction?
substance oxidized is
(a) H2 + Br2→ 2HBr
(a) H2S (b) SO2
(b) NaBr + HCl → NaCl + HBr
(c) S (d) H2O
(c) HBr + AgNO3→AgBr + HNO3
3. The number of electrons lost in the following change (d) 2NaOH + H2SO4→ Na2SO4 + 2H2O
is 10. In which of the following compounds, the oxidation
Fe  H 2 O  Fe3 O 4  H 2 number of iodine is fractional?
(a) 2 (b) 4 (a) IF7 (b) I3–
(c) 6 (d) 8 (c) IF5 (d) IF3
4. In the reaction 11. Which of the following statements about the
following reaction is correct?
3Br2  6CO32  3H 2 O  5Br   BrO3  6HCO3
2Cu 2 O  s   Cu 2S  s   6Cu  s   SO 2  g 
(a) Bromine is oxidized and carbonate is reduced
(a) Both Cu2O and Cu2S are reduced.
(b) Bromine is reduced and water is reduced
(b) Only Cu2S is reduced.
(c) Bromine is neither reduced nor oxidised (c) only Cu2S is the oxidant
(d) Bromine is both reduced and oxidised (d) Only Cu2O is reduced
5. The reaction, 3ClO (aq) 
 ClO3 (aq)  2Cl (aq) 12. In the equation NO2   H 2 O 
 NO3  2H  ne
is an example of n stands for
(a) oxidation reaction (a) 1 (b) 2
(b) reduction reaction (c) 3 (d) 4
13. Assertion (A): H2O2 can act as an oxidizing agent.
(c) disproportionation reaction
Reason (R): All the peroxides behave as oxidizing
(d) decomposition reaction
agents only.
6. For the redox reaction
MnO4  C2 O42   H  Mn 2   CO2  H 2 O, (a) If both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the
The correct stoichiometric coefficients of MnO ,  correct explanation of (A)
4
(b) If both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the
C2 O42 and H+ are respectively: correct explanation of (A)
(a) 2,5,16 (b) 16,5,2 (c) If (A) is correct but (R) is incorrect.
(c) 5,16,2 (d) 2,16,5 (d) If (A) is incorrect but (R) is correct
7. Consider the following standard reduction potentials: 14. Assertion (A): F2 undergoes disproportionation reaction.
2  o
Ca  2e  Ca; E  2.87 V Reason (R): Fluorine does not show positive
oxidation states.
Pb2  2e  Pb; E o  0.13 V
(a) If both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the
Cu 2   2e  Cu; Eo  0.34 V correct explanation of (A)
2 (b) If both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the
Hg 2  2e  Hg; Eo  0.92 V
correct explanation of (A)
Pt 2  2e  Pt; Eo  1.20 V (c) If (A) is correct but (R) is incorrect.
Which of the following metals is the strongest (d) If (A) is incorrect but (R) is correct
REDUCING AGENT?
(a) Ca (b) Pb
REDOX REACTIONS - REVISION 4

15. Assertion (A): HNO3 acts only as an oxidizing agent, (d) None of these
while HNO2 acts both as an oxidizing agent and a 19. Gain of oxygen in a compound is an example of….
reducing agent. (a) oxidation (b) reduction
Reason (R): The oxidation number of N in HNO3 is (c) hydrogenation (d) None of these
maximum. 20. Zn 2   aq.  2e   Zn  s  . This is
(a) If both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the
(a) oxidation (b) reduction
correct explanation of (A)
(c) redox reaction (d) None of the above
(b) If both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the
21. Removal of oxygen from a compound is an example
correct explanation of (A) of….
(c) If (A) is correct but (R) is incorrect. (a) oxidation (b) reduction
(d) If (A) is incorrect but (R) is correct (c) oxygenation (d) dehydrogenation
16. Assertion (A): In a redox reaction, the oxidation (Q. 22 to 25)
number of oxidant decrease while that of reductant Redox reactions form an important class of reactions in
increases. which oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously.
Reason (R): Oxidant gains electron(s) and reductant Oxidation numbers are assigned in accordance with a
loses electron(s) constant set of rules. Oxidation number denotes the
(a) If both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the oxidation state of an element in a compound ascertained
correct explanation of (A) according to a set of rules formulated on the basis that
(b) If both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the electron pair in a covalent bond belongs entirely to more
correct explanation of (A) electronegative element. It is not always possible to
(c) If (A) is correct but (R) is incorrect. remember easily in a compound that which element is more
electronegative than the other. Therefore, a set of rules has
(d) If (A) is incorrect but (R) is correct
been formulated to determine the oxidation number of an
17. Assertion (A): The change in oxidation state of Mn
element in a compound. If two or more than two atoms of an
in KMnO4 (acidic medium) is less than the change in
element are present in the molecule, the oxidation number of
oxidation state of Mn in KMnO4 in basic medium.
the atom of that element will be the average of the oxidation
Reason (R): In acidic medium, oxidation state of Mn
number of all the atoms of that element.
changes from +7 to +2, while in basic medium, it
22. The oxidation number of carbon in CH 2 Cl2 is
changes from +7 to +4.
(a) If both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the (a) 0 (b) 2
correct explanation of (A) (c) 3 (d) 5
(b) If both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the 23. Oxidation state of oxygen in F2O is
correct explanation of (A) (a) +1 (b) -1
(c) +2 (d) -2
(c) If (A) is correct but (R) is incorrect.
24. The oxidation number of S in Na2S4O6 is
(d) Both (A) and (R) are incorrect.
(a) + 0.5 (b) +2.5
(Q. 18 to 21)
The oxidation and reduction reactions or redox (c) + 4 (d) + 6
reactions are very common in our daily life. 25. In the conversion of Br2 to BrO3 , the oxidation
Oxidation process involves loss of electrons whereas number of Br changes from
reduction process involves gain of electrons. During (a) zero to +5 (b) +1 to +5
transfer of electrons in a reaction, the species which (c) zero to -3 (d) +2 to +5
loses electron is said to be oxidised. In other words,
oxidation & reduction reactions takes place
simultaneously. After reading above passage answer
the following questions.
18. In the following reaction
P4  3KOH  3H 2 O  3KH 2 PO 2  PH 3
(a) Phosphorus is both oxidized and reduced
(b) Only phosphorus is reduced
(c) Phosphorus is oxidized
REDOX REACTIONS - REVISION 5

ANSWER KEY AND SOLUTIONS

Solved Examples
1. NaH 2 PO 4 Let us assume the oxidation number of P be x.
Oxidation number of Na = +1 Oxidation number of H = +1  2   2  x   0
1 1 x 2  2  2x  0
Oxidation number of O = –2  Na H 2 P O 4  x  1
Then, we have
Therefore, the oxidation number of O is – 1.
1 1  2  1  1 x   4  2   0 (f) NaBH 4
 1 2  x  8  0 1 x 1
 x  5 Na B H 4

Therefore, the oxidation number of P is +5. Then, we have

(b) NaHSO 4 1 1  1 x   4  1  0

1 1 x 2  1 x  4  0
Na H SO 4
 x  3
Then, we have
Therefore, the oxidation number of B is + 3.
1 1  1 1  1 x   4  2   0
(g) H 2 S2 O7
 11 x  8  0
1 x 2
 x  6 H 2 S2 O 7
Therefore, the oxidation number of S is + 6. Then, we have
(c) H 4 P 2 O7
2  1  2  x   7  2   0
1 x 2
H 4 P2 O 7 Then, we have  2  2 x  14  0
 2 x  12
4  1  2  x   7  2   0
 x  6
 4  2 x  14  0
 2 x  10 Therefore, the oxidation number of S is + 6.

 x  5 (h) KAl  SO4 2 .12H2 O

Therefore, the oxidation number of P is + 5.
1 3 
(d) K 2 MnO 4  x 2  1 2
K Al  SO4  .12 H 2 O
 2
1 x 2
K 2 Mn O 4 Then, we have
Then, we have
1 1  1 3  2  x   8  2   24  1  12  2   0
2  1  x  4  2   0
 1  3  2 x  16  24  24  0
 2 x 8  0
 2 x  12
 x  6
 x  6
Therefore, the oxidation number of Mn is + 6.
Therefore, the oxidation number of S is + 6.
(e) CaO 2
2. (i) Fe3O4 is mixture of FeO & Fe2O3 in 1 : 1 ratio
2 x
Ca O 2 so, individual oxidation number of Fe = +2 & +3
Then, we have 1(2)  2 (3)
& average oxidation number =  8/3
3
REDOX REACTIONS - REVISION 6

(ii) Pb3O4 is a mixture of PbO & PbO2 in 2 : 1 molar ratio (b) 4Zn  10HNO3 (dil) 

so, individual oxidation number of Pb are +2 & +4
4Zn (NO3 ) 2  3H 2 O  NH 4 NO3
2(2)  1 (4)
& average oxidation number of Pb =  8/ 3
3 (c) 2CrI3  64KOH  27Cl2 
 2K 2 CrO4  6KIO4
3.  54KCl  32H 2O

(d) 6P2 H 4 
 8PH 3  P4

(e) 2Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2  6SiO 2  10C 



6CaSiO3  P4  10CO
7. Lower the standard reduction potential value higher will be
4. Let’s write the oxidation number of each atom involved in the activity of metal as it will have higher tendency to lose
the given reaction: electrons. The order of the increasing reducing power of
the given metals is Cu < Fe < Zn < Al <Mg.
(Acidic solution)
8. (d)
2 2
Sol. Ba Cl 2  H 2SO 4  Ba SO 4  2HCl
There is no change in oxidation number. Hence, not a redox
reaction.
Oxidation number of F increases from 0 to +1 in HOF and 1 1 1  5  2
9. (i) 3HCl(aq)  H N O3 (aq) 

the oxidation number decreases from 0 to –1 in HF. F is
oxidized as well as reduced. So that the given reaction is a 0 3  2 1 1 2
redox reaction. Cl 2 (g)  NO Cl (g)  2H 2 O(l )
5. The Mn 3+ ion is unstable in solution and undergoes Here, Oxidation number of Cl increases from -1 (in HCl) to 0
disproportionation to give Mn2+, MnO2, and H+ ion. Let us (in Cl2). Therefore, Cl– is oxidized and hence HCl acts as a
write the reaction: reducing agent.
Mn 3 aq   Mn 2aq   MnO 2s   H aq  The oxidation number of N decreases from +5(in HNO3) to
+3 (in NOCl)and therefore, HNO3 and therefore, HNO3 acts
The oxidation half equation by balancing the electrons and
as an oxidizing agent.
charge are:
Thus, reaction (i) is a redox reaction.
Mn 3 aq   MnO 2 aq   4H aq   e 
2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1

+
(ii) HgCl2 (aq)  2 KI (aq) 
 Hg I 2 ( aq)  KCl(aq)
Now balance the O atoms and H ions by adding water
molecules, Here oxidation number of none of the atoms undergo a
chang and therefore, this is not a redox reaction.
Mn 3 aq   2H 2 O l   MnO 2s   4H aq   e  ...(i)
On the other hand, the reduction half equation by balancing
the electrons are:

Mn 3 aq   e   Mn 2aq  ...(ii)

Combine the both equation (i) and (ii) by adding as:
2Mn 3aq   2H 2 O l   MnO 2 s   2Mn 2aq   4H aq 

6. (a) 6H   5H 2 O 2  2MnO 4 
 2Mn 2  5O 2  8H 2 O
REDOX REACTIONS - REVISION 6

EXERCISE – 1 : Basic Subjective Questions

1. Oxidation is a process in which loss of electrons takes reduced while CO is oxidized. Thus, this is a
place from a substance. redox reaction.
2. The formula for Mercury(II) chloride is HgCl2 9.
3. Stock notation of chromium trioxide is Cr2(III)O3.
4. HN3 is a neutral compound. So, sum of oxidation
states of all elements is equal to zero. Therefore, 1 +
3x = 0
1
or x =  Tetrathionate ion has four Sulphur atoms bonded to
3
oxygen as in the structure. Out of the four sulphur
1
Hence, the oxidation number of N is   0.33 atoms, the two terminal sulphur atoms are connected
3
to three oxygen atom and one homo sulphur atoms.
5. It is a metal displacement reaction as Zn displaces Cu
Each terminal sulphur atoms forms five bonds with
from CuSO4 solution.
oxygen atoms and so the oxidation state will be +5.
6. (a) In a disproportionation reaction, the same element
The bridging sulphur atom being homonuclear have
in one oxidation state is oxidized as well as reduced
zero oxidation state.
simultaneously.
Total oxidation state of the entire four sulphur atoms
(b) The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide is an
is ten.
example of disproportionation reaction where
10
oxygen is oxidized and reduced simultaneously. So, average oxidation state of Sulphur   2.5
1 1 1 2 0
4
2 H 2 O2  2 H 2 O O2 10. The oxidation state of Cl in ClO 2 is +3 and in ClO 4 ,
7. (i) K2CrO4 it is +7. So, chlorine is present in highest oxidation
Let O.N of Cr is x state of +7 in ClO 4 and it cannot increase its
2(+1) + x + 4(2) = 0 oxidation state. Hence ClO 4 does not
+2+x8=0 disproportionate.
x=+6 The disproportionation reaction of ClO 2 is
O.N. of Cr = + 6 3 1 5

(ii) H2SO4 3ClO 2 

 Cl   2ClO 3
0 0 2 2
Let O.N of S is x 11. (a) N 2  g   O 2  g   2 N O  g 
2 (+1) +x + 4 (2) = 0
The compound nitric oxide is formed by the
+2 + x 8 = 0 combination of elemental substances (N2 and O2).
x=+6 Therefore, it is a combination redox reaction.
2 2 0 0 1 2 2 5  2 2  2 4  2 0
8. (a) Cu O  s   H 2  g   C u  s   H 2 O  g  (b) 2 Pb  NO 3 2  s   2 PbO  s   4 NO 2  g   O 2  g 
Here, O is removed from CuO, therefore, it is Lead nitrate decomposes to form three products
reduced to Cu while O is added to H2 to form and therefore, it is decomposition redox reaction.
11 1 2 1 2 1 0
H2O, therefore, it is oxidized. Further, O.N. of Cu (c) NaH  s   H 2 O  l   NaOH  aq   H 2  g 
decreases from +2 in CuO to 0 in Cu but that of H Hydrogen of water has been displaced by hydride
increases from 0 in H2 to +1 in H2O. Therefore, ion to form dihydrogen gas. Therefore, it is
CuO is reduced to Cu but H2 is oxidized to H2O. displacement redox reaction.
1 1 +5
Thus, this is redox reaction.
12. (a) 3 ClO   2 Cl  C lO3-
3 2 2 0 4
(b) Fe 2 O 3  s   3CO  g   2 Fe  s   3CO 2  g  5 1 7
(b) 4 ClO3  C l  3Cl O4
Here O.N. of Fe decreases from +3 in Fe2O3 to 0 3 1 5

in Fe while that of C increases from +2 in CO to (c) 3Cl O 2  C l   2 Cl O 3

+4 in CO2. Further, oxygen is removed from 1
13. (a) Zn  s   O 2  g   ZnO  s 
Fe2O3 and added to CO, therefore, Fe2O3 is 2
REDOX REACTIONS - REVISION 7

In this reactions, zinc donates electrons to O to 3N 2 H 4  l   4ClO3  aq   6NO  g   4Cl  aq 

give zinc ions and oxide ions. Thus, Zn acts as
To balance O atoms, add 6H2O molecules on R.H.S.
reductant while oxygen acts as oxidant.
(b) CH4  g   4Cl2  g   CCl4  g   4HCl  g 
3N 2 H 4  l   4ClO3  aq   6NO  g   4Cl  aq   6H 2 O
CH4 is oxidized and acts as reductant (removal of
hydrogen takes place) while Cl2 is reduced and Since H atoms are balanced automatically, the above
acts as oxidant (addition of hydrogen takes place). equation represents balanced chemical equation.
(c) I 2  aq   2S2 O32   aq   2I   aq   S4 O62   aq  (ii)
I2 gains electrons and is reduced. Therefore, it acts
as an oxidant. In S2 O32  oxidation state of S
increases. Hence, oxidation takes place and it acts
as reductant.
14. Step 1. Skeleton equation
Dividing the equation into two half reactions :
Cu  NO 3 
 NO 2  Cu 2 
Oxidation half reaction : I   I 2
Step 2. Writing oxidation number of each atom
0 5  2 4  2 2
Reducing half reaction : Cr2 O 27   Cr 3
 2
Cu  NO 
 NO2  Cu
3 Balancing oxidation and reduction half reactions
Step 3. Find out the increase/decrease of oxidation separately as :
number. Oxidation half reaction
I  I2
2I   I 2
2I   I 2  2e  …(i)
The oxidation number of copper has increased from 0
Reduction half reaction
to +2 while that of nitrogen has decreased from +5 to
Cr2 O 72   Cr 3
+4.
Step 4. Balance the increase/decrease in oxidation Cr2 O27   2Cr 3
number by multiplying NO3 by 2 and Cu by 1. Cr2 O 72   6e   2Cr 3
Cu  2NO 3 
 NO 2  Cu 2  Cr2 O72   14H   6e  2Cr 3  7H 2 O …(ii)
Step 5. Balance other atoms except H and O as (acidic medium)
Cu  2NO 3   2NO 2  Cu 2  To balance the electrons, multiply eq(i) by 3 and add
Step 6. Reaction takes place in acidic medium, so add to eq (ii)
H+ ions to the side deficient in H+ and balance H and Cr2 O 72   14H   6I   2Cr 3  3I 2  7H 2 O
O atom: 16. (a) (i) A3+ is the strongest oxidizing agent.
Cu  2NO3  4H    2NO 2  Cu 2   2H 2 O (ii) D is the strongest reducing agent
15. (i) (b) E0 value of B2+|B is greater than C2+|C and D+|D.
Hence, B2+ can oxidise C and D.
(c) E0 value of C2+|C is lesser than B2+|B and A3+|A.
Hence, C can reduce A3+ and B2+
(d) A3  2D  A   2D
E o  1.36   1.42   2.78V
To balance the increase or decrease in oxidation
number, multiply N2H4 by 3 and ClO 3 by 4 and add
3N 2 H 4  l   4ClO3  aq   NO  g   Cl  aq 
Balance N and Cl atoms on R.H.S.
REDOX REACTIONS - REVISION 8

EXERCISE – 2 : Basic Objective Questions

1. (a) Change in oxidation state of C is 1
Sol. An oxidation process involves increase in oxidation Change in oxidation state of 2C is 2.
number. We will cross multiply the changes,
2. (a) 2MnO4   5C2 O42   2Mn 2  10CO2
Sol. Here, Sulphur undergoes comproportionation Balancing O and H atoms by reactant and product
reaction. This can be shown as side, we have
2H 2 S  2S  4H   4e 
SO 2 +4H + +4e -  S+2H 2 O 2MnO4  5C2 O42   16H  2Mn 2  10CO2  8H 2 O
In first reaction, oxidation of S changes from (-2) to
(0) while in other, it changes from (+4) to (0). Therefore, correct option is 2,5,16
As per the first reaction, sulphide is oxidized. 7. (a)
Therefore, both the reaction gives elemental sulphur Sol. Ca 2  2e  Ca; Eo  2.87 V
from two different oxidation states of sulphur. Hence,
Pb 2   2e  Pb; E o  0.13 V
the substance oxidized in H2S.
3. (d) Cu 2   2e   Cu; E o  0.34 V
2
0  8 Hg 2  2e  Hg; E o  0.92 V

Sol. 3 F e  8e   Fe 3 
 3 Pt 2   2e   Pt; E o  1.20 V
0 The strongest reducing agent will be the one which is
2H   H 2  2e  ]  4 oxidized most readily. This reaction takes place
3Fe  4H 2 O  Fe3 O 4  4H 2 O readily in the forward direction. Therefore, the
Total number of electrons lost is 8. strongest reducing agent will be the one with the most
4. (d) negative reduction potential.
Sol. It is a disproportionation reaction and Br2 is reduced ∴ Ca is the strongest reducing agent.
to Br- and oxidised to BrO3-. Hence, Br2 is both 8. (a)
reduced and oxidised. Sol. K > Mg > Zn > Cu
5. (c) As the tendency to lose electrons of a metal increases,
Sol. Given reaction : the reactivity of metals increases.
9. (a)
3ClO (aq) 
 ClO3 (aq)  2Cl (aq) Sol. In a redox reaction, one molecule is oxidised and
The reaction is disproportionation reaction. It is a other molecule is reduced i.e., oxidation number of
redox reaction in which the same element undergoes reactants are changed.
0 0 11
oxidation and reduction. The oxidation state of H 2  Br2  2 HBr
chlorine in ClO  is +1. The oxidation state of Here H2 is oxidised and Br2 is reduced, thus it is
chlorine in ClO3 
is+5(oxidation). The oxidation oxidation-reduction reaction.
10. (b)
state of chlorine in Cl is-1(reduction). Sol. (a) O.S. of F is (-1)
6. (a) I F7
Sol. The given reaction is
 
MnO4  +C2 O4 2   H   Mn 2 +CO2 +H2 O
 7   1
First, we need to find out the oxidation state of
central atom i.e., Mn and C. (b) I3-
2
+7 3 4 
Mn O 4  + C 2 O 4 2   H   Mn 2  + C O 2 +H 2 O
We can calculate the change in oxidation state.
 1 / 3
Change in oxidation state of Mn is 5
REDOX REACTIONS - REVISION 9

(c) I F5 In basic medium, change in oxidation state of

  Mn in KMnO4 = 7–6 =1
n-factor of KMnO4 in acidic medium = ‘ 5 ’
 5  1
n-factor of KMnO4 in basic medium = ‘ 1 ’
(d) I F3
  n-factor of KMnO4 in neutral medium = ‘3’

 3  1 Thus, assertion and reason both are incorrect.

18. (a)
Hence, option (b) is correct
Sol. P4  3KOH  3H 2 O  KH 2 PO 2  PH 3
11. (a)
Sol. In Cu2O and Cu2S, the oxidation state of Cu is +1 and O.N of P = 0, In KH 2 PO 2 it is + 1, In PH3 it is – 3.
they are reduced to Cu0. Hence P is oxidized and reduced.
 Cu1  e  Cu 0  19. (a)
Sol. Oxidation is a chemical process, which involves the
12. (b)
addition of oxygen or an element or compound. Also,
Sol. NO2- +H 2 O  NO3- +2H + +2e-
it is the removal of hydrogen from a compound.
The overall charge should be balanced on both sides. 20. (b)
So, by comparing both sides, value of n should be 2.
Sol. Zn 2   2e   Zn  s 
13. (c)
Sol. H2O2 acts both as an oxidizing and a reducing agent. Here gain of electrons takes place. Hence, the given
reaction from Zn 2  to Zn is a reduction reaction.
H O
2 2  O2  2H   2e 
21. (b)
(Oxidation; acts as a reducing agent) Sol. Reduction is a chemical process, which involves the
 2e 
 2H   H 2 O2  2H 2 O  addition of hydrogen or an element or compound.
(Reduction; acts as oxidising agent) Also, it is the removal of oxygen from a compound.
All peroxides can act either as an oxidizing agent or 22. (a)
as a reducing agent or both. Sol. Let us consider the oxidation number of C is x.
14. (d) Chlorine has -1 charge on it.
Sol. Correct(A) will be: F2 does not undergo Hydrogen has +1 charge on it.
disproportionation reaction. CH 2 Cl2  x  2  2  0
Reason is correct. F2 shows only an oxidation state of x=0
1. 23. (c)
15. (a) Sol. Here, central atom is oxygen and F is more
Sol. Both (A) and (R) are correct, and (R) is the correct electronegative.
explanation, since the oxidation number of N in Let us consider the oxidation states for Oxygen to be
HNO3 is maximum (+5);therefore, it can only x in given compound,
decrease. F2 O  2  x  0, x  2
Hence, HNO3 acts as an oxidizing agent. In HNO2, 24. (b)
the oxidation number of N is +3, so it can increase by Sol. Na 2S4 O6 : 2  4x  12  0
losing electrons or can decrease by accepting 10
 x  2.5
electrons. Therefore, HNO2 acts both as an oxidising 4
as well as a reducing agent. Oxidation number of S = +2.5
16. (a) 25. (a)
Sol. During a redox reaction, the oxidant gains electrons Sol. Br2 is in elemental state, the oxidation number of Br
and it is reduced. Hence, its oxidation number is
decreases. Also, the reductant loses electrons and is zero.
oxidized. Its oxidation number increases. BrO3  x  6  1, x  5
17. (d)
Therefore, option (a) is correct.
Sol. In acidic medium, change in oxidation state of
Mn = 7 –2 = 5