Chemistry

(Chapter 8)(Redox Reactions)

Question 8.1:

Assign oxidation numbers to the underlined elements in each of the following species
(a) Nat:PO (b) NaHSO (c) HP:O: (d) K:Mn04
(e) CaQ: ( NaBH (9) H:S:O: (h) KAI(SO.):. 12 H:0
Answer

(a) NaH, PO,

Let the oxidation number of P be x.
We know that,
Oxidation number of Na +1
Oxidation number of H= +1

Oxidation number of 0 = -2

Na H: Po,
Then, we have

I(+1)+2(+1)+1(*)+4(-2)=0
l+2+I-8=0

Hence, the oxidation number of P is +5.

NaH0,
(b)
Na HSO.
Then, we have

I(+1)+1(+1) +1(*)+4(-2) =0
l+l+r-8=0
t6
Hence, the oxidation nunber of S is + 6.

H, P,O,
Then, we have
 4(-1)+ 2(r)-7(-2) = 0
4+2r- 14 =0
2r+10

Hence, the oxidation nunber of P is + 5.

(a) k, MnO,
K, MnÕ.
Then, we have
2(+1)+x+4(-2) =0
>2+r-8 =0

Hence, the oxidation number of Mn is + 6.

(o) CaQ,
Then, we have
(+2)+2(*) =0
»2+2r=0

Hence, the oxidation number of O is - 1.

( NaBH,
Na BH.
Then, we have
I(+1)+1(r)+4(-1) =0
l+r-4 =0
’r=+3
Hence, the oxidation number of B is + 3.

(9)
H,S,0,

H,s,o
Then, we have
2(+1)+2(*)+7(-2)
2+2r-14 =0
-0
2r=12
I+6
Hence, the oxidation nunber of S is + 6.

(h)
KAI(S0,),.12H,0
KA S0.12,ß
Then, we have
I("1)+1(-3) +2(*)+8(-2)+24(+1) +12(-2) =0
>l+3+2r-16+24 -24 =0

r=12
rt6
Or
water molecule as it is a neutral molecule. Then, the sum of the
We can ignore the as zero. Therefore,
of the water molecule may be taken
oxidation numbers of all atoms
after ignoring the water molecule, we have
I(+1)+1(+3)+2(r)+8(-2) =0
l+3+2r-16=0
’2r=12
+6
Hence, the oxidation numnber of S i_ + 6.

Question 8.2:
What are the oxidation numbers of the underlined elernents in each of the following and

how do you rationalise your results?

(a) K (b) H:S.Os (c) FesO (d) CHCH:OH (e) CHCOOH
Answer

(a) Kis
In Kls, the oxidation number (0.N.) of K0s +1. Hence, the average oxidation number ofI
 ,
we will havVe to consider
Therefore,
0.N. Cannot be fractional.
is Howeve,
structure of Kl, to find the oxidation
states
covalent bond with an iodine
coordinate
an atom of odine forns a
A molecule,
molecule.

wnereds
of the two Latorms forrning the b nolecule is 0,
hence, in a Kly molecule, the O.N
is -1. (b) HS«0u
the O.N. of the I atom forning the coordinate bond

H.Zo,Õ.
Now, 2(+1) + 4(r) +6(-2)= 0
2+ 4r - 12 =0

However, 0.N. cannot be fractional. Hence, S must be present in different oxidation states
in the molecule.

H-0

The O.N. of two of the four S atorns is +5 and the 0.N. of the other two S atorns is 0.

(c) Fe,o,
+2
On taking the 0.N. of 0 as -2, the 0.N. of Fe is found to be 3, However, O.N. cannot

be fractional.
Here, one of the three Fe atons exhibits the O.N. of +2 and the other two Fe atons exhibit
the O.N. of +3.
 (d) MOH

2(*) +4(+1) +
(-2)=0
2r+6-2-0
I-2
Hence, the O.N. of C is -2.
(e) H,DOH

2(*) +4(+l) + 2(-2)- 0

2r 4-4m0

However, 0 is average O.N. of C The two carbon atoms present in this molecule are
present in different environments. Hence, they cannot have the same oxidation number.
Thus, C exhibits the oxidation states of +2 and -2 in CHsCOOH.
HO

Question 8.3:
Justify that the folowing reactions are redox reactions:
(a) CuO(s) + Ha(9) Cu(s) + H.o(9)
(b) Fe:0(s) + 3CO(g) 2Fe(s) + 3COz(g)
(c) 4BCb(9) + 3LIAIHa(s) - 282Hs(g) + 3LiCI(s) + 3 AlCI (s)
(d) 2K(s) + F(g) 2K+F- (s)
(e) 4 NH3(g) + 5 0z(g) 4NO(g) + 6H;0(g)
Answer
(a)
the oxidation number of each element involved in the given reaction as:
Let us wite

Cuo+HxCu,.+ H;O
+2 in CuO to 0 in Cu i.e., CUO is reduced
ere, ne Oxidation number of Cu decreases from
I.e., H2 IS
t0 CU. Also, the oxidation number of H increases from 0 in HT to +1 in H20
OXidized to H)0, Hence., this reaction is a redox reaction.

(b) Fe,0y +3CO, +2Fe,, + 3CO

Let us write the oxidation number of each element in the given reaction as:
Fe,oy + 3Co 2F,,+ 3CÖ
Here, the oxidation number of Fe decreases from +3 in Fe:0, to 0 in Fe i.e., Fez0 is
reduced to Fe. On the other hand, the oxidation number of Cincreases from +2 in CO to
+4 in CO: i.e., CO is oxidized to CO:. Hence, the given reaction is a redox reaction.

(c) 4BCly +3L0AIH) 2B,H+3LiCl, +3AICl

The oxidation number of each element in the given reaction can be represented as:

4BCIs+3LiAIH4) 2B, Hut3Lich+3AlClN

In this reaction, the oxidation number of B decreases from +3 in BCls to -3 in Bate. i.e.,
BCI, is reduced to B;Hs. Also, the oxidation number of Hincreases from -1 in LiAlH to +1
in BzH6 i.e., LiAIH is oxidized to BzH6. Hence, the given reaction is a redox reaction.
(4) 2K t+Fxe)2K'F
The oxidation number of each element in the given reaction can be represented as:

2Ki+Fxe ’2KFto
In this reaction, the oxidation number ofK increases from 0 in K to +1 in KF I.e.. K is
oxidized to KF. On the other hand, the oxidation number of F decreases from O in Fz to -

1 in KF i.e., Fz is reduced to KF.

Hence, the above reaction is a redox reaction.
4NH+50,4NO,,+61,0,
(e)
The oxidation number of each element in the given reaction can be represented as:
4NH+50y
Here, the
-4NÔu+6i:Õul
oxidation nunber of Ni increases from -3 in NH to +2 in NO. On the other hand,
AUadon number of O: decreases from 0 in O: to -2 in NO and H:0 i.e., O: is reduced.
Hence, the given reaction is a redox
reaction.
Question 8,4:
Fluorine reacts with ice and results in the change:
H;O(s) + Fz(9) ’HF(g) + HOF(9)
Justify that this reaction is a redox reaction.
Answer
its
Let us write the oxidation number of each atom involved in the given reaction above
symbol as:

from 0 in F: to +1 ir
Here, we have observed that the oxidation number of F increases
Thus, in the above
HOF. Also, the oxidation number decreases from O in Fz to -1 in HF.
is a redox reaction.
reaction, F is both oxidized and reduced. Hence, the given reaction

Question 8.5:
Calculate the oxidation number of sulphur, chromium and nitrogen in H;SOs,
Cr0; and NO,-, Suggest structure of these compounds. Count for the fallacy.
Answer

2(+1)+1(r) + s(-2) =0
>2+x- 10 =0
r=+8
the 0.N, of
However, the 0.N. of S cannot be +8. S has six valence electrons. Therefore,
S cannot be more than +6.

The structure of H:SOs is shown as follows:

 Now, 2(+1) +(1) +3(-2) +2(-1) =0
-2+r-6- 2=0
I=+6
Therefore, the O.N. of S is +6.

(tü)
2(r) +7(-2) =-2
2r -14= -2
I=6
Here, there is no fallacy about the O.N. ofCr in Cr0;
The structure of Cr,o,

is shown as follows:
Here, each of the two Cr atoms exhibits the O.N. of +6.

(iü)
NO;
1(3)+ 3(-2) =-I
I-6= -|

Here, there is no fallacy about the 0.N. of N in

The structure of NO,

is
The N atom exhibits the shown as follows:
O.N. of +5.

Question 8.6:
Write the formulae for the following compounds:
(a) Mercury(11) chloride
(b) Nickel(II) sulphate
(c) Tin(IV) oxide (d) Thallium(l) sulphate
(e) Iron(III) sulphate () Chromiun(iI) oxide Answer
(a) Mercury (lI) chloride:
HgCi:
(b) Nickel (I1) sulphate:
NiSO,
(c) Tin (M) oxide:
SnOz
(d) Thallium (I) sulphate:
ThSO4

(e) Iron (III) sulphate:

Fea(SO4):
Chromium (I!I) oxide:
Cra0

Question 8.7:
Suggest a list of the substances where carbon can exhibit
oxidation states from -4 to +4
and nitrogen from -3 to +5.
Answer
The substances where carbon can exhibit oxidation states frorm -4 to +4 are listed in the
following table.
 Substnce O.N. of carbon
CH:Cla 0

CIC=CCI +1
HCECH -1
CHCI3, co
+2
CH3CI
-2
ClyC- cCl, +3
HC-CHs -3
CCl4, CO: +4
CH4

The substances where nitrogen can exhibit oxidation states from -3 to +5 are listed
following table. in the
Substance O.N. of nitrogen
N2

N20 -1

NzHz -1

NO

NaH4 -2

N203 +3

NH3 -3

NO2

Nz0s
Question 8.8:
While sulphur oxidsing es well es reding
doxide and hydrogen perozide can ect as
agens n their reactions. ozo0e and nitric acid act ornly 8s iGana
Answer
the rerge eON
a dioxide (S0;), the oxidation nurnber (O.N.)ofS is +4 and
that S can have is from +6 to -2.

nerefore, S0, carn act as an gxidising as well as a reducing oger

range of the O.. tet O a
m nyarogen peroxide (H0.). the 0.N of o is -1 and the
oidatio nunbers 1 ar 2
ave is from 0 to -2. O can sometime also attain the
Hence, H;0; can act as an oxidising as well as a reducing agerit.
O
the range of the O.N. that O cn have is froen
a ozone (03), the O.N. ofO is zero and
Hence, Oats oiy es a
to -2. Therefore, the O.N. of O can only decrease in this case.
oxidant.
of the CO.N. that N can raves fro
In nitric acid (HNO), the O.N. of N is +5 and the range
Hence, HNO acs onty
+5 to -3. Therefore, the O.N, of N can only decrease in this case.
as an gxidant.

Question 8.9:
Consider the reactions:

(a) 6 CO:(9) + 6H0() -’C H12 Ou(aqg) + 60z(g)

(b) Os(g) + H0:() H,0) + 20:(g)
Why it is more appropriate to write these reactions as:
(a) 6COx(g) + 12HO0) -- Co H12 Os(aq) + 6H;0() +60:(g)
(b) O:(g) + H;0: (0) - H:O(1) + O:(g) + 0:(g)
Also suggest a technique to investigate the path of the above (a) and (b) redox reacons
Answer
(a)The process of photosynthesis involves two steps.

Step 1:
H,0 decomposes to give Ha and O:.

2H,0, 2H +Ol
Step 2:
 eMW tep therehy oxti glucvse (oH and o
1
N7NNES as

The thsmt a eMNoy

Question 8.11:
Whenever a reaction between an oxidising agent and a reducing agent
is carried out, a

pund of lower oxidation state is forrned i the reducing agent is in excess ano o
pound of higher oxidation state is forned if the oxidising agent is in excess. us
this statement giving three illustrations
Answer
Whenever a reaction between an oxldising agent and a reducing agent is
carried out,

d or lower oxidation state is forrmed If the

reducing agent is in excess and a
This can
onpound of higher oxidation state is formed if the oxidising agent is in excess.
be illustrated as follows:

()P and Fz are reducing and oxidising agents respectively.

produced, wherein the oxidation
dn eXCess of P. is treated with Fz, then PF will be
number (0.N.) of P is +3

P,(excess) +F +PE
produced, wherein the 0.N.
HOwever, if Pa is treated with an excess of Fz, then PFs will be
of P is +5.

P, +F,(excess)’PE
(ü) Kacts as a reducing agent, whereas Oz is an oxidising agent.
the O.N. of O is -2.
If an excess of K reacts with O;, then K0 will be formed, wherein

4K(excess) +0,2K, Þ
the O.N, of
However, if K reacts with an excess of O, then KG02 will be forrmed, wherein
O is -1.

2K +0, (excess)’K,O:
(i) Cisa reducing agent, while 0: acts as an oxidising agent.
If an excess of C is burnt in the presence of insufficient amount of O:, then Co will be
produced, wherein the O.N. of C i_ +2,

C(excess) +0, o
 he other hand, if C is burnt in an excess of O,, then CO will be produced, wherein the.
O.N. of Cis +4.

C+0,(excess)co,
Question 8.12:
How do you count for the following
(a
observations?
Though alkaline potassium permanganate and acidic potassium
are used as permanganate botn
oxidants, yet in the manufacture of benzolc acid frorn toluene we use
alcononc
potassium permanganate as an oxidant, Why? Write a balanced redox
reaction.
equation for tne
(b) When concentrated sulphuric acid is added to an inorganic mixture
containing
chloride, we get colourless pungent smelling gas HCI, but if the
mixture contains bromide
then we get red vapour of bromine. Why?
Answer
(a) In the manufacture of benzoic acid from toluene, alcoholic potassium
is used as an oxidant because of the following reasons.
permanganate
() In a neutral medium, OH ions are produced in the reaction itself.
As a result, the
cost of adding an acid or a base can be reduced.
(ü) KMnO4 and alcohol are homogeneous to each other since both are polar. Toluene
and alcohol are also homogeneous to each other because both are organic compounds.
Reactions can proceed at a faster rate in a homogeneous medium than in a heterogeneous
medium. Hence, in alcohol, KMn04 and toluene can react at a faster rate.
The balanced redox equation for the reaction in a neutral medium is give as below:
CH CO0

2 MnOayl O 2MoO H,0 Of

(b) When conc. H2S04 is added to an inorganic mixture containing bromide, initially HBr
is produced. HBr, being a strong reducing agent reduces H;SO4 to SO2 with the evolution
of red vapour of bromine.
 2NaBr+
2HBr +H,So, 2H,SO,2NaHS0, 2HBr
+Br, SO, 2H,0
+ +
+

(red vapour)
u Wnen conc. H:SO. is added to an inorganic mixture containing chloride, a punge

ggas (HCl) is evolved. HCI, being a weak reducing agent, cannot reduce HS0 to
SO:

2NaCl+2H,SO, ’2NaHSO, +2HCI

Question 8.13:
10entiry the substance oxidised, reduced, oxidising agent and reducing agent for each of
the following reactions:
(a) 2AgBr (s) + CsHO:lag) - 2Ag(s) + 2HBr (aq) + CoHeOa(aq)
(b) HCHO(0) + 2(Ag (NH):](ag) + 3OH(aq) 2Ag(s) + HCO0(aq) + 4NHs(aq) +
2H;0()
(c) HCHO (0) + 2Cu2+ag) + 5 OH(ag) - Cu:0(s) + HCO0(ag) + 3H;o()
(d) NHa() + 2H>0:() - N2(g) + 4H2o(1)
(e) Pb(s) +PbO:(s) + 2HSO(aq) 2PbSO(s) + 2H>0(1)
Answer
(a) Oxidised substance - CsHsO:
Reduced substance - AgBr

Oxidising agent AgBr

Reducing agent CsHsO2
(b)Oxidised substance - HCHO

Reduced
[Ag( NH ).J substance -

Oxidising agent
[As(NH,),)T
Reducing agent’ HCH0

(c) Oxidised substance - HCHO

Reduced substance Cu2
 Oidising agentCu
Reduing agent HCHO
(d) Oidised substance NHe
Reduced substance HO,
Oidising agentHO
Reducing agent NHe
(e) Oidised substance P
Reduced substance PbO
Oxidising agentPUO,
Reducing agent- Pb
Question 8.14:
Consider the reactions:
25,0; (aq) + Is) S,0 (aq) + 2I (eq)
S,0 250;
2
ag) + 2Bra(l) + 5 H O() -- (aa)+ 4Br (ag) + 10H(aa)
Why does the sarme reductant,
thiosuiphate react differenty with iodine and bromine?
Answer

The average oxidation nurnber (0.N.)ofS in is+2. Being a stronger oxidising agent
than la, Br, oxidises, in which the O.N. of S is +6, However, I is a weak
oxid1sing agent.
to
Therefore, it oxidises, in which the average O.N.

of S is only +2.5. As a result, reacts differentiy with iodine and bromine.

Question 8.15:

Justify giving reactions that arnong halogens, fluorine is the best oxidant and among
hydrohalic cornpounds, hydroiodic. acid is the best reductant.
Answer

F can oxidize C to Clz, Br to Brz, and I to l> as:

 oges
nne other hand, Cls. Br, and I cannot axidize F to F. The oxdizing power of ha
fluonne is the best oxicant amcng
ceses in the order of L< B s O < F, Hence,
halogens
HF Cannot. Therefore HI and HBr are
ni and HBr can reduce H:SO, to So. but HO and
stronger reductants than HO and HF.
2H1-H_S0, 1,-s0, -2H,0
2HBr +H,So,Br, -S0, +2H,0
Again, I an reduce Cu to Cu, but Br cannot.

hydrohalc compouncs
Hence, hydroiodic acid is the best reductant among
increases in the orcer of HF < HO<S<
Thus, the reducing power of hydrohalic acids
HI

Question 8.16:
Why doees the folowing reaction ocaur?

AcO, (ag) + 2F (ag) + 6H(aq) - XeOs(g) + Fx(g) +- 3H:0(1)

s a part) can be draNn
What condusion about the compound NaXes (of which
from the reaction. Answer

Xe0 oxid'ses F ans F

The given reaction occurs because

XeO+2F+6HO, -Fai-H.0
reduces

In this reaction, the oxidation number (0.N.) o Xe cecresses from -S in to-in

XeO and the O.N. of F increases from -1 in F to O in F:

Hence, we can conclude that is a stroncer oxdsing acent than F
 Question 8.17:
Consider the reactions
(a) HPO<aq) +4AgNO(ag) +2H,O0) - H,PO(20) +4Ag(s) +4HNO(3q)
(0) HPOaq) + 2CuSo.(ag) + 2 H:OI) --HPOalag) + 2Cu(s) + H:S0(80)
(c) CaH:CHO(I) + 2[Ag (NH)):]"(aq) + 30H (aa) .CaHsC00 (aq) + 2Ag(s) + 4NH (aq)
2 HO(0)
(d) CH;CHO(U)+ 2Cu+ag) + 5OH(ag) No change observed.
Wnat interence do you draw about the behaviour of Aa* and Cu from these reactions
Answer
Ag* and Cu act as oxidising agents in
reactions (a) and (b) respectively.
In reaction (c), Ag oxidises CsHsCHO to CHsCO0:. but in
reaction (d), Cu* cannot
oxidise CcHsCHO.
Hence, we can say that Ag* is a stronger
oxidising agent than Cu²*

Question 8.18:
Balance the following redox reactions by ion-electron method:
Mn0,
(a) (ag) + I (ag) -MnO2 (s) + Iz(s) (in basic medium)
MnO,
(b) (aq) + S0 (g)- Mn (aq) + HSO,4(ag) (in acidic solution)
(C) H;0: (aq) + Fe2 (aq)Fe (aq) + H;0 (0) (in acidic solution)

(d) Cr,0 S0:(g) - Cr (aq) + so, (aq) (in acidic solution)

Answer
(a) Step 1: The two half reactions involved in the given reaction are:

Oxidation half

reaction:

Reduction half reaction:

MnO,Mn)
Step 2:
Balancing I in the oxidation half reaction, we have:

NOW, to balance the charge, we add 2 e to the RHS of the reaction.

21
Step 3:
reduced from +7 to +4.
he reduction half reaction, the oxidation state of Mn has
Thus, 3 electrons are added to the LHS of the reaction.
MnO + 3e +M nO
to the RHS of the reaction as the reaction
NOw, to balance the charae. we add 4 OH ions
is taking place in a basic medium.

MnO+ 3e ’MnOe + 40H

Step 4:
4 0 atoms on the LHS. Therefore,
In this equation, there are 6 0 atoms on the RHS and
two water molecules are added to the LHS.

MnO,, + 2H,0 + 3e' ’MnO + 40H

Step 5:
3 and the
Equalising the number of electrons by multiplying the oxidation half reaction by
reduction half reaction by 2, we have:

6l 31,+ 6e

2MnO t 4H,0 + 6e ’2MnO) 8OH

Step 6:
Adding the two half reactions, we have the net balanced redox reaction as:
6 t 2 MnO,p t 4H,0,, 31, + 2MnO.o, + 80H
(b) Following the steps as in part (a), we have the oxidation half reaction as:
SO + 2H,0,, ’ HSO 3 | t 2e )
And the reduction half reaction as:

MnOa + 8H + Se Mn + 4H,Ou
()
 the
upiYing the oxidation half reaction by 5 and the reduction half reaction by , and
Oy adding them, we have the net balanced redox reaction ds
2 MnO,
SSO 211,0,, + H, +2 Mn + 5 HSO
() Following the steps as in part (a), we have the oxidation naT reoe
Fe +Fe +e

And the reduction half

reaction as:
H,0, + 2H, 2e ’ 2H,0,
muioplying the Oxidation half reaction by 2 and then adding it to the reduction half reactiot,
we have the net
balanced redox reaction as:
H.0, + 2Fe
(ng) 2H +2Fe 2H.0,
(d) Following the steps as in part (a), we have the
oxidation half reaction as:
SOx+ 2H,0,, ’ SO; + 4H+ 2e
And the reduction half
reaction as:
Cr,0; () 14H + 6e 2Cr
Multiplying the oxidation half reaction by 3 and then adding it to the reduction half reaction,
we have the net balanced redox reaction as:
Cr,0; + 3SO + 2H ’2Cr"+ 3SO,e + H,0,
Question 8.19:
Balance the following equations in basic medium by ion-electron method and oxidation
number methods and identify the oxidising agent and the reducing agent.

(a) Pa, + OH ’ PH,e, t HPO,

(b) N,H,ly + CIO, ’ NO,., +CI
(c) C1,0, gy + H,0,y Clo;e) +0z) tH.
Answer

(a)The 0.N. (oxidation number) of P decreases from 0 in Pa to - 3 in PHT and increases

frorn 0 in Pe to + 2 in r ,Hence, Pa acts both as an oxidizing agent and a reducing

agent in this reaction.
Ion-electron method:
The
oxidation half equation is:
Pa
The atom is
P
HPO
balanced as:
Peo
HPO
The O.N. is balanced by
adding S electrons as:
Pe ’4HPO +8
The charge is balanced by
adding 120H as:
Po+120H,IPO,+&e
The H and O atoms are balanced by adding 4H:0 as:
P 120H, ’4HPO,, +4H,0, +&e
The reduction half equation is:

PPH
The P atom is balanced as

Pao4PH,
The O.N. is balanced by adding 12 electrons as:
P +12e4PHy
The charge is balanced by adding 120OH as:
P +12e4PH+120H;
The O and H atoms are balanced by adding 12H:0 as:
Pe, +12H,0,, +12e4PH, +12HO (ü)
By multiplying equation () with 3 and () with 2 and then adding them, the balanced
chemical equation can be obtained as:

SP +12H,0,, +12H0, +SPH+12HPO34)

(b)
ON NiTOe 4 a

CIo; (a) +NOe Ca

4
ON Cldae by opo
Tne oxidation number of Nincreases from - 2 in N,H to + 2 in NO and the oxidation
number of Cl decreases from + Sin CO to - tin Cl: Hence, in this reaction, NHe is

the reducing agent and Cois the

oxidizing agent.
Ion-electron method:
The oxidation half equation is:

GHNo,
The N atoms are balanced as:

N,H2NO,e
The oxidation number is balanced by adding 8 electrons as:
N,H2NO, +8e
The charge is balanced by adding 8
0Hions as:
N,H +80H2NO,+ke
The O atoms are
balanced by adding 6H:0 as:
N,H +8OH +2NO,+ 6H,0,, +8e (i)
The reduction half equation is:

CIo,c
The oxidation number is balanced by adding 6 electrons as:
CIo,+6eC
The charge is balanced by adding 6OH ions as:

CIo,t6eC +60H,
The O atoms are balanced by adding 3H20 as:

CIo,+ 3H,0, +6e +CI+60H..)

The balanced equation can be obtained by multiplying equation (i) with 3 and equation (i)
with 4 and then adding them as:

3N,H+4CI0, ’6NOt4C+6M,O
Oxidation number method:
Total decrease in oxidation number of N = 2 x 4 - 8
Total increase in oxidation number of Cl = 1 x 6 - 6
On muloplying N;H with 3 and CIO with 4 to halance the increase and decrease in O.n.
we get:

3N,H4CO,NO,, +Ca
The N and Cl atoms are
balanced as:
3N,H +4CIo,6NO, +4C\
The O atoms are balanced by adding 6H:0 as:

3N,H+4CIO, ’6NO, +4C +6H,0n

This is the required balanced equation.
(c)

HO,ac0 OH
4

inand the oxidation

The oxidation number of C decreases from + 7 in Cl:0 to + 3
Cl;0 is the
number of O increases from - 1 in H;0: to zero in O:. Hence, in this reaction,
oxidizing agent and Ha0; is the reducing agent.
Ion-electron method:

The oxidation half equation is:

H, OxeiOx
The oxidation number is balanced by adding 2 electrons as:
H,0,0+2e
The charge is balanced by adding 20Hions as:
H,0,+20H0t2e
The oxygen atoms are balanced by adding 2H:0 as:
H.0,20H,0, 2H.0,, +2e (i)
The reduction half equation is:

CL.O,CO,
The Ci atoms are balanced as:
 CI,0,2C0
Theoxidation nurmber is balanced by adding 8 electrons 8s
C,0 +8e2CO,4
The charge is balanced by adding 60H as:
Ci,0,, +Be
+2C10,
The oxygen atoms are +60H,
balanced adding 3H)0 as:
by

CI,0+3H,0,,Be
The
+2C0, OH (ü)
balanced equation can be obtained by multiplving equation (i) with 4 and adaing
equation () to it as: CiO+4H,04+2OH,’2C10,40, +SH,On
Oxidation number method:
Total decrease in oxidation number of ClO,= 4 2 =8
Total increase in oxidation number of H02 =2 x1 =2
multiplying Hz02 and O with 4 to balance the
increase and decrease in the oxidation
number, we get:
Ci,0 +4H,0,)COt4O4)
The Cl atoms are balanced as:

CI,0,+4H,0, 2CI0,+404
The O atoms are balanced by adding 3H)0 as:

Ci,0,+4H,0 +2CI0, +404+3H,On

The H atoms are balanced by adding 20H and 2H,0 as:

Cl,o,,+4H,0,+ 20H +2CI0,+40+SH,0,

This is the required balanced equation,

Question 8.20:

What sorts of informations can you draw from the following reaction
(CN)+ 20H CN t CNO,+ H,0,,
Answer

The oxidation numbers of carbon in (CN), CN and CNO are +3, +2 and +4 respectively.
These are obtained as shown below:
Let the oxidation number of C be x
(CN)>
2(x- 3) = 0
X=3

CN x-3 = -1
X=2

CNO

X-3-2= -1
:X= 4

The oxidation number of carbon in the various species is:

+20HCNjt CNO, H,0

and oxidised
It can be easily observed that the same compound is being reduced
simultaneously in the given equation. Reactions in which the same compound is reduced
said that the alkaline
and oxidised is known as disproportionation reactions. Thus, it can be
decomposition of cyanogen is an example of disproportionation reaction.

Question 8.21:
The Mn* ion is unstable in solution and undergoes disproportionation to give Mn, MnOa,
and H* ion. Write a balanced ionic equation for the reaction.

Answer

The given reaction can be represented as:

Mni +Mn+ MnO +H
The oxidation half equation is:

MaMnO,.