(Chapter 8)(Redox Reactions)

XI
Question 8.1:
Assign oxidation numbers to the underlined elements in each of the following species:
(a) NaH2PO4 (b) NaHSO4 (c) H4P2O7 (d) K2MnO4
(e) CaO2 (f) NaBH4 (g) H2S2O7 (h) KAl(SO4)2.12 H2O
Answer Hence, the oxidation number of P is + 5.

(a) (d)
Let the oxidation number of P be x.
We know that,
Then, we have
Oxidation number of Na = +1
Oxidation number of H = +1
Oxidation number of O = –2

Hence, the oxidation number of Mn is + 6.

Then, we have
(e)

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

(b)

Hence, the oxidation number of O is – 1.

Then, we have
(f)

Then, we have
Hence, the oxidation number of S is + 6.

(c)

Hence, the oxidation number of B is + 3.

Then, we have
(g)

1 2
Then, we have

is . However, O.N. cannot be fractional. Therefore, we will have to consider the

structure of KI3 to find the oxidation states.
In a KI3 molecule, an atom of iodine forms a coordinate covalent bond with an iodine
molecule.
Hence, the oxidation number of S is + 6.

(h)
Hence, in a KI3 molecule, the O.N. of the two I atoms forming the I2 molecule is 0, whereas
the O.N. of the I atom forming the coordinate bond is –1. (b) H2S4O6

Then, we have

Or,
We can ignore the water molecule as it is a neutral molecule. Then, the sum of the
oxidation numbers of all atoms of the water molecule may be taken as zero. Therefore, However, O.N. cannot be fractional. Hence, S must be present in different oxidation states
after ignoring the water molecule, we have in the molecule.

The O.N. of two of the four S atoms is +5 and the O.N. of the other two S atoms is 0.
Hence, the oxidation number of S is + 6.
(c)

Question 8.2:
What are the oxidation numbers of the underlined elements in each of the following and On taking the O.N. of O as –2, the O.N. of Fe is found to be . However, O.N. cannot

how do you rationalise your results? be fractional.

(a) KI3 (b) H2S4O6 (c) Fe3O4 (d) CH3CH2OH (e) CH3COOH Here, one of the three Fe atoms exhibits the O.N. of +2 and the other two Fe atoms exhibit

Answer the O.N. of +3.

(a) KI3
In KI3, the oxidation number (O.N.) of K is +1. Hence, the average oxidation number of I

3 4
 (a)
Let us write the oxidation number of each element involved in the given reaction as:
(d)

Here, the oxidation number of Cu decreases from +2 in CuO to 0 in Cu i.e., CuO is reduced
to Cu. Also, the oxidation number of H increases from 0 in H 2 to +1 in H2O i.e., H2 is
oxidized to H2O. Hence, this reaction is a redox reaction.

(b)
Hence, the O.N. of C is –2. Let us write the oxidation number of each element in the given reaction as:

(e)

Here, the oxidation number of Fe decreases from +3 in Fe 2O3 to 0 in Fe i.e., Fe2O3 is

reduced to Fe. On the other hand, the oxidation number of C increases from +2 in CO to
+4 in CO2 i.e., CO is oxidized to CO2. Hence, the given reaction is a redox reaction.

(c)
The oxidation number of each element in the given reaction can be represented as:
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 CH3COOH. In this reaction, the oxidation number of B decreases from +3 in BCl 3 to –3 in B2H6. i.e.,
BCl3 is reduced to B2H6. Also, the oxidation number of H increases from –1 in LiAlH4 to +1
in B2H6 i.e., LiAlH4 is oxidized to B2H6. Hence, the given reaction is a redox reaction.

(d)
The oxidation number of each element in the given reaction can be represented as:
Question 8.3:
Justify that the following reactions are redox reactions:
(a) CuO(s) + H2(g) → Cu(s) + H2O(g) In this reaction, the oxidation number of K increases from 0 in K to +1 in KF i.e., K is

(b) Fe2O3(s) + 3CO(g) → 2Fe(s) + 3CO2(g) oxidized to KF. On the other hand, the oxidation number of F decreases from 0 in F 2 to –
1 in KF i.e., F2 is reduced to KF.
(c) 4BCl3(g) + 3LiAlH4(s) → 2B2H6(g) + 3LiCl(s) + 3 AlCl3 (s)
Hence, the above reaction is a redox reaction.
(d) 2K(s) + F2(g) → 2K+F– (s)
(e) 4 NH3(g) + 5 O2(g) → 4NO(g) + 6H2O(g) (e)
Answer The oxidation number of each element in the given reaction can be represented as:

5 6
Here, the oxidation number of N increases from –3 in NH3 to +2 in NO. On the other hand,
the oxidation number of O2 decreases from 0 in O2 to –2 in NO and H2O i.e., O2 is reduced.
Hence, the given reaction is a redox reaction.

Question 8.4:
Fluorine reacts with ice and results in the change: Therefore, the O.N. of S is +6.
H2O(s) + F2(g) → HF(g) + HOF(g)
Justify that this reaction is a redox reaction. (ii)
Answer
Let us write the oxidation number of each atom involved in the given reaction above its
symbol as:

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

Here, we have observed that the oxidation number of F increases from 0 in F 2 to +1 in

The structure of
HOF. Also, the oxidation number decreases from 0 in F 2 to –1 in HF. Thus, in the above
reaction, F is both oxidized and reduced. Hence, the given reaction is a redox reaction.

Question 8.5:
is shown as follows:
Calculate the oxidation number of sulphur, chromium and nitrogen in H 2SO5,
Here, each of the two Cr atoms exhibits the O.N. of +6.
–. Suggest structure of these compounds. Count for the fallacy.
Answer (iii)

(i)

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

However, the O.N. of S cannot be +8. S has six valence electrons. Therefore, the O.N. of
S cannot be more than +6.
The structure of H2SO5 is shown as follows:

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 Substance O.N. of carbon
The structure of
CH2Cl2 0

ClC≡CCl +1

HC≡CH –1
is shown as follows:
CHCl3, CO +2
The N atom exhibits the O.N. of +5.
CH3Cl –2

Question 8.6: Cl3C – CCl3 +3

Write the formulae for the following compounds: H3C – CH3 –3

(a) Mercury(II) chloride (b) Nickel(II) sulphate CCl4, CO2 +4
(c) Tin(IV) oxide (d) Thallium(I) sulphate
CH4 –4
(e) Iron(III) sulphate (f) Chromium(III) oxide Answer
The substances where nitrogen can exhibit oxidation states from –3 to +5 are listed in the
(a) Mercury (II) chloride: following table.
HgCl2 Substance O.N. of nitrogen
(b) Nickel (II) sulphate:
N2 0
NiSO4
(c) Tin (IV) oxide: N2O +1

SnO2
N2H2 –1
(d) Thallium (I) sulphate:

Tl2SO4 NO +2

(e) Iron (III) sulphate: N2H4 –2

Fe2(SO4)3
N2O3 +3
(f) Chromium (III) oxide:

Cr2O3 NH3 –3

NO2 +4
Question 8.7:
Suggest a list of the substances where carbon can exhibit oxidation states from –4 to +4 N2O5 +5
and nitrogen from –3 to +5.
Answer
The substances where carbon can exhibit oxidation states from –4 to +4 are listed in the
following table.

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Question 8.8: The H2 produced in step 1 reduces CO2, thereby producing glucose (C6H12O6) and H2O.
While sulphur dioxide and hydrogen peroxide can act as oxidising as well as reducing
agents in their reactions, ozone and nitric acid act only as oxidants. Why? Now, the net reaction of the process is given as:
Answer
In sulphur dioxide (SO2), the oxidation number (O.N.) of S is +4 and the range of the O.N.
that S can have is from +6 to –2.
Therefore, SO2 can act as an oxidising as well as a reducing agent.
In hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), the O.N. of O is –1 and the range of the O.N. that O can It is more appropriate to write the reaction as given above because water molecules are
have is from 0 to –2. O can sometimes also attain the oxidation numbers +1 and +2. also produced in the process of photosynthesis.
Hence, H2O2 can act as an oxidising as well as a reducing agent. The path of this reaction can be investigated by using radioactive H 2O18 in place of H2O.
In ozone (O3), the O.N. of O is zero and the range of the O.N. that O can have is from 0 (b) O2 is produced from each of the two reactants O3 and H2O2. For this reason, O2 is
to –2. Therefore, the O.N. of O can only decrease in this case. Hence, O 3 acts only as an written twice.
oxidant. The given reaction involves two steps. First, O 3 decomposes to form O2 and O. In the
In nitric acid (HNO3), the O.N. of N is +5 and the range of the O.N. that N can have is from second step, H2O2 reacts with the O produced in the first step, thereby producing H2O
+5 to –3. Therefore, the O.N. of N can only decrease in this case. Hence, HNO 3 acts only and O2.
as an oxidant.

Question 8.9:
Consider the reactions:
(a) 6 CO2(g) + 6H2O(l) → C6 H12 O6(aq) + 6O2(g)
The path of this reaction can be investigated by using or .
(b) O3(g) + H2O2(l) → H2O(l) + 2O2(g)
Why it is more appropriate to write these reactions as: Question 8.10:
(a) 6CO2(g) + 12H2O(l) → C6 H12 O6(aq) + 6H2O(l) + 6O2(g) The compound AgF2 is an unstable compound. However, if formed, the compound acts as
(b) O3(g) + H2O2 (l) → H2O(l) + O2(g) + O2(g) a very strong oxidizing agent. Why?
Also suggest a technique to investigate the path of the above (a) and (b) redox reactions. Answer
Answer The oxidation state of Ag in AgF2 is +2. But, +2 is an unstable oxidation state of Ag.
(a)The process of photosynthesis involves two steps. Therefore, whenever AgF2 is formed, silver readily accepts an electron to form Ag+. This
Step 1: helps to bring the oxidation state of Ag down from +2 to a more stable state of +1. As a
H2O decomposes to give H2 and O2.
result, AgF2 acts as a very strong oxidizing agent.

Step 2:

11 12
Question 8.11: On the other hand, if C is burnt in an excess of O2, then CO2 will be produced, wherein the
Whenever a reaction between an oxidising agent and a reducing agent is carried out, a O.N. of C is +4.
compound of lower oxidation state is formed if the reducing agent is in excess and a
compound of higher oxidation state is formed if the oxidising agent is in excess. Justify
this statement giving three illustrations.
Answer
Question 8.12:
Whenever a reaction between an oxidising agent and a reducing agent is carried out, a
How do you count for the following observations?
compound of lower oxidation state is formed if the reducing agent is in excess and a
(a) Though alkaline potassium permanganate and acidic potassium permanganate both
compound of higher oxidation state is formed if the oxidising agent is in excess. This can
are used as oxidants, yet in the manufacture of benzoic acid from toluene we use alcoholic
be illustrated as follows:
potassium permanganate as an oxidant. Why? Write a balanced redox equation for the
(i)P4 and F2 are reducing and oxidising agents respectively.
reaction.
If an excess of P4 is treated with F2, then PF3 will be produced, wherein the oxidation
(b) When concentrated sulphuric acid is added to an inorganic mixture containing
number (O.N.) of P is +3.
chloride, we get colourless pungent smelling gas HCl, but if the mixture contains bromide
then we get red vapour of bromine. Why?
Answer
However, if P4 is treated with an excess of F2, then PF5 will be produced, wherein the O.N.
(a) In the manufacture of benzoic acid from toluene, alcoholic potassium permanganate
of P is +5.
is used as an oxidant because of the following reasons.
(i) In a neutral medium, OH– ions are produced in the reaction itself. As a result, the
(ii) K acts as a reducing agent, whereas O2 is an oxidising agent. cost of adding an acid or a base can be reduced.

If an excess of K reacts with O2, then K2O will be formed, wherein the O.N. of O is –2. (ii) 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
However, if K reacts with an excess of O 2, then K2O2 will be formed, wherein the O.N. of
medium. Hence, in alcohol, KMnO4 and toluene can react at a faster rate.
O is –1.
The balanced redox equation for the reaction in a neutral medium is give as below:

(iii) C is a reducing agent, while O2 acts as an oxidising agent.

If an excess of C is burnt in the presence of insufficient amount of O 2, then CO will be
produced, wherein the O.N. of C is +2.
(b) When conc. H2SO4 is added to an inorganic mixture containing bromide, initially HBr
is produced. HBr, being a strong reducing agent reduces H2SO4 to SO2 with the evolution
of red vapour of bromine.

13 14
 Oxidising agent → Cu2+

Reducing agent → HCHO

(d) Oxidised substance → N2H4

But, when conc. H2SO4 is added to an inorganic mixture containing chloride, a pungent Reduced substance → H2O2

smelling gas (HCl) is evolved. HCl, being a weak reducing agent, cannot reduce H 2SO4 to Oxidising agent → H2O2

SO2. Reducing agent → N2H4

(e) Oxidised substance → Pb
Reduced substance → PbO2
Question 8.13:
Oxidising agent → PbO2
Identify the substance oxidised, reduced, oxidising agent and reducing agent for each of
Reducing agent → Pb
the following reactions:
(a) 2AgBr (s) + C6H6O2(aq) → 2Ag(s) + 2HBr (aq) + C6H4O2(aq)
Question 8.14:
→ Consider the reactions:
(b) HCHO(l) + 2[Ag (NH3)2]+(aq) + 3OH–(aq) 2Ag(s) + HCOO–(aq) + 4NH3(aq) +

–
2H2O(l) (aq) + I2(s) (aq) + 2I (aq)
→
(c) HCHO (l) + 2Cu2+(aq) + 5 OH–(aq) → Cu2O(s) + HCOO–(aq) + 3H2O(l)
2

(d) N2H4(l) + 2H2O2(l) → N2(g) + 4H2O(l) aq) + 2Br2(l) + 5 H O(l) → (aq) + 4Br–(aq) + 10H+(aq)
(e) Pb(s) + PbO2(s) + 2H2SO4(aq) → 2PbSO4(s) + 2H2O(l) Why does the same reductant, thiosulphate react differently with iodine and bromine?
Answer Answer
(a) Oxidised substance → C6H6O2
The average oxidation number (O.N.) of S in is +2. Being a stronger oxidising agent
Reduced substance → AgBr
to
Oxidising agent → AgBr than I2, Br2 oxidises , in which the O.N. of S is +6. However, I2 is a weak oxidising agent.
to
Reducing agent → C6H6O2 Therefore, it oxidises , in which the average O.N.
(b)Oxidised substance → HCHO

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

Reduced substance →

Question 8.15:
Oxidising agent
Justify giving reactions that among halogens, fluorine is the best oxidant and among
→
hydrohalic compounds, hydroiodic acid is the best reductant.
Reducing agent → HCHO
Answer
(c) Oxidised substance → HCHO
F2 can oxidize Cl– to Cl2, Br– to Br2, and I– to I2 as:
Reduced substance → Cu2+

15 16
 Question 8.17:
Consider the reactions:
(a) H3PO2(aq) + 4 AgNO3(aq) + 2 H2O(l) → H3PO4(aq) + 4Ag(s) + 4HNO3(aq)
(b) H3PO2(aq) + 2CuSO4(aq) + 2 H2O(l) → H3PO4(aq) + 2Cu(s) + H2SO4(aq)
On the other hand, Cl2, Br2, and I2 cannot oxidize F– to F2. The oxidizing power of halogens (c) C6H5CHO(l) + 2[Ag (NH3)2]+(aq) + 3OH–(aq) → C6H5COO–(aq) + 2Ag(s) + 4NH3 (aq)
increases in the order of I2 < Br2 < Cl2 < F2. Hence, fluorine is the best oxidant among
+ 2 H2O(l)
halogens.
(d) C6H5CHO(l) + 2Cu2+(aq) + 5OH–(aq) → No change observed.
HI and HBr can reduce H2SO4 to SO2, but HCl and HF cannot. Therefore, HI and HBr are
What inference do you draw about the behaviour of Ag+ and Cu2+ from these reactions?
stronger reductants than HCl and HF.
Answer
Ag+ and Cu2+ act as oxidising agents in reactions (a) and (b) respectively.

In reaction (c), Ag+ oxidises C6H5CHO to C6H5COO–, but in reaction (d), Cu2+ cannot
Again, I– can reduce Cu2+ to Cu+, but Br– cannot.
oxidise C6H5CHO.

Hence, we can say that Ag+ is a stronger oxidising agent than Cu2+.
Hence, hydroiodic acid is the best reductant among hydrohalic compounds.
Thus, the reducing power of hydrohalic acids increases in the order of HF < HCl < HBr <
HI.
Question 8.18:

Question 8.16: Balance the following redox reactions by ion-electron method:

Why does the following reaction occur?

(a) (aq) + I– (aq) → MnO2 (s) + I2(s) (in basic medium)
(aq) + 2F– (aq) + 6H+(aq) → XeO3(g) + F2(g) + 3H2O(l)
(b) (aq) + SO2 (g) → Mn2+ (aq) + (aq) (in acidic solution)
What conclusion about the compound Na4XeO6 (of which is a part) can be drawn (c) H2O2 (aq) + Fe 2+
(aq) → Fe 3+
(aq) + H2O (l) (in acidic solution)
from the reaction. Answer
(d) + SO2(g) → Cr3+ (aq) + (aq) (in acidic solution)
The given reaction occurs because oxidises and Answer
(a) Step 1: The two half reactions involved in the given reaction are:
reduces .
Oxidation half
In this reaction, the oxidation number (O.N.) of Xe decreases from +8 in to +6 in
reaction:
XeO3 and the O.N. of F increases from –1 in F– to O in F2.

Reduction half reaction:

Hence, we can conclude that is a stronger oxidising agent than F–.
Step 2:

17 18
Balancing I in the oxidation half reaction, we have: Multiplying the oxidation half reaction by 5 and the reduction half reaction by 2, and then
by adding them, we have the net balanced redox reaction as:

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

(c) Following the steps as in part (a), we have the oxidation half reaction as:

Step 3:
In the reduction half reaction, the oxidation state of Mn has reduced from +7 to +4. And the reduction half reaction as:
Thus, 3 electrons are added to the LHS of the reaction.

Multiplying the oxidation half reaction by 2 and then adding it to the reduction half reaction,
we have the net balanced redox reaction as:
Now, to balance the charge, we add 4 OH– ions to the RHS of the reaction as the reaction
is taking place in a basic medium.
(d) Following the steps as in part (a), we have the oxidation half reaction as:

Step 4: And the reduction half reaction as:

In this equation, there are 6 O atoms on the RHS and 4 O atoms on the LHS. Therefore,
two water molecules are added to the LHS.
Multiplying the oxidation half reaction by 3 and then adding it to the reduction half reaction,
we have the net balanced redox reaction as:

Step 5:
Equalising the number of electrons by multiplying the oxidation half reaction by 3 and the Question 8.19:
reduction half reaction by 2, we have: Balance the following equations in basic medium by ion-electron method and oxidation
number methods and identify the oxidising agent and the reducing agent.

Step 6:
Adding the two half reactions, we have the net balanced redox reaction as:
Answer
(a)The O.N. (oxidation number) of P decreases from 0 in P 4 to – 3 in PH3 and increases
(b)Following the steps as in part (a), we have the oxidation half reaction as:
from 0 in P4 to + 2 in . Hence, P4 acts both as an oxidizing agent and a reducing
agent in this reaction.
And the reduction half reaction as:
Ion–electron method:

19 20
The oxidation half equation is: The oxidation number of N increases from – 2 in N2H4 to + 2 in NO and the oxidation

number of Cl decreases from + 5 in to – 1 in Cl–. Hence, in this reaction, N2H4 is

The P atom is balanced as:
the reducing agent and is the oxidizing agent.
Ion–electron method:
The O.N. is balanced by adding 8 electrons as: The oxidation half equation is:

The charge is balanced by adding 12OH– as:

The N atoms are balanced as:

The H and O atoms are balanced by adding 4H2O as:

The oxidation number is balanced by adding 8 electrons as:

The reduction half equation is: The charge is balanced by adding 8 OH–ions as:

The P atom is balanced as

The O atoms are balanced by adding 6H2O as:

The O.N. is balanced by adding 12 electrons as: The reduction half equation is:

The charge is balanced by adding 12OH– as:

The oxidation number is balanced by adding 6 electrons as:

The O and H atoms are balanced by adding 12H2O as:

The charge is balanced by adding 6OH– ions as:

By multiplying equation (i) with 3 and (ii) with 2 and then adding them, the balanced
The O atoms are balanced by adding 3H2O as:
chemical equation can be obtained as:

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

Oxidation number method:

Total decrease in oxidation number of N = 2 × 4 = 8
Total increase in oxidation number of Cl = 1 × 6 = 6

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On multiplying N2H4 with 3 and with 4 to balance the increase and decrease in O.N.,
we get: The oxidation number is balanced by adding 8 electrons as:

The charge is balanced by adding 6OH– as:

The N and Cl atoms are balanced as:

The O atoms are balanced by adding 6H2O as: The oxygen atoms are balanced by adding 3H2O as:

The balanced equation can be obtained by multiplying equation (i) with 4 and adding
This is the required balanced equation.
(c) equation (ii) to it as:
Oxidation number method:
Total decrease in oxidation number of Cl 2O7 = 4 × 2 = 8
Total increase in oxidation number of H2O2 = 2 × 1 = 2
By multiplying H2O2 and O2 with 4 to balance the increase and decrease in the oxidation
number, we get:
The oxidation number of Cl decreases from + 7 in Cl 2O7 to + 3 in and the oxidation
number of O increases from – 1 in H2O2 to zero in O2. Hence, in this reaction, Cl 2O7 is the
The Cl atoms are balanced as:
oxidizing agent and H2O2 is the reducing agent.
Ion–electron method:
The oxidation half equation is: The O atoms are balanced by adding 3H2O as:

The H atoms are balanced by adding 2OH– and 2H2O as:

The oxidation number is balanced by adding 2 electrons as:

This is the required balanced equation.

The charge is balanced by adding 2OH–ions as:

Question 8.20:
The oxygen atoms are balanced by adding 2H2O as:
What sorts of informations can you draw from the following reaction ?

The reduction half equation is:

Answer
The oxidation numbers of carbon in (CN)2, CN– and CNO– are +3, +2 and +4 respectively.

The Cl atoms are balanced as: These are obtained as shown below:

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Let the oxidation number of C be x. The oxidation number is balanced by adding one electron as:
(CN)2
2(x – 3) = 0 The charge is balanced by adding 4H+ ions as:
x=3

The O atoms and H+ ions are balanced by adding 2H2O molecules as:
CN– x – 3 = –1

x=2
The reduction half equation is:

CNO– The oxidation number is balanced by adding one electron as:

x – 3 – 2 = –1 The balanced chemical equation can be obtained by adding equation (i) and (ii) as:
x=4

The oxidation number of carbon in the various species is: Question 8.22:
Consider the elements:
Cs, Ne, I and F
It can be easily observed that the same compound is being reduced and oxidised (a) Identify the element that exhibits only negative oxidation state.
simultaneously in the given equation. Reactions in which the same compound is reduced (b) Identify the element that exhibits only postive oxidation state.
and oxidised is known as disproportionation reactions. Thus, it can be said that the alkaline (c) Identify the element that exhibits both positive and negative oxidation states. (d)
decomposition of cyanogen is an example of disproportionation reaction. Identify the element which exhibits neither the negative nor does the positive oxidation
state.
Question 8.21: Answer
The Mn3+ ion is unstable in solution and undergoes disproportionation to give Mn 2+, MnO2, (a) F exhibits only negative oxidation state of –1.

and H+ ion. Write a balanced ionic equation for the reaction. (b) Cs exhibits positive oxidation state of +1.
(c) I exhibits both positive and negative oxidation states. It exhibits oxidation states of –
Answer
1, + 1, + 3, + 5, and + 7.
The given reaction can be represented as:
(d) The oxidation state of Ne is zero. It exhibits neither negative nor positive oxidation
states.
The oxidation half equation is:

25 26
Question 8.23: Answer
Chlorine is used to purify drinking water. Excess of chlorine is harmful. The excess of In disproportionation reactions, one of the reacting substances always contains an element
chlorine is removed by treating with sulphur dioxide. Present a balanced equation for this that can exist in at least three oxidation states.
redox change taking place in water. (a) P, Cl, and S can show disproportionation reactions as these elements can exist in
Answer three or more oxidation states.
The given redox reaction can be represented as: (b) Mn, Cu, and Ga can show disproportionation reactions as these elements can exist
in three or more oxidation states.

The oxidation half reaction is:

Question 8.25:
In Ostwald’s process for the manufacture of nitric acid, the first step involves the oxidation
The oxidation number is balanced by adding two electrons as:
of ammonia gas by oxygen gas to give nitric oxide gas and steam. What is the maximum
weight of nitric oxide that can be obtained starting only with 10.00 g. of ammonia and
The charge is balanced by adding 4H+ ions as: 20.00 g of oxygen?
Answer

The O atoms and H+ ions are balanced by adding 2H2O molecules as: The balanced chemical equation for the given reaction is given as:

The reduction half reaction is:

Thus, 68 g of NH3 reacts with 160 g of O2.

The chlorine atoms are balanced as:

Therefore, 10g of NH3 reacts with g of O2, or 23.53 g of O2.

The oxidation number is balanced by adding electrons But the available amount of O2 is 20 g.
Therefore, O2 is the limiting reagent (we have considered the amount of O 2 to calculate

The balanced chemical equation can be obtained by adding equation (i) and (ii) as: the weight of nitric oxide obtained in the reaction).
Now, 160 g of O2 gives 120g of NO.

Therefore, 20 g of O2 gives g of N, or 15 g of NO.

Question 8.24:
Hence, a maximum of 15 g of nitric oxide can be obtained.
Refer to the periodic table given in your book and now answer the following questions:
(a) Select the possible non metals that can show disproportionation reaction.
(b) Select three metals that can show disproportionation reaction.

27 28
Question 8.26:
(c) The possible reaction between and is given by,
Using the standard electrode potentials given in the Table 8.1, predict if the reaction
between the following is feasible:
(a) Fe3+(aq) and I–(aq)

(b) Ag+(aq) and Cu(s)

(c) Fe3+ (aq) and Cu(s)

(d) Ag(s) and Fe3+(aq)

(e) Br2(aq) and Fe2+(aq) Answer E° positive for the overall reaction is positive. Hence, the reaction between and

(a) The possible reaction between is feasible.

is given by, (d) The possible reaction between and

is given by,

E° for the overall reaction is positive. Thus, the reaction between and is
feasible. Here, E° for the overall reaction is negative. Hence, the reaction between and

(b) The possible reaction between is given by, is not feasible.

(e) The possible reaction between and is given by,

E° positive for the overall reaction is positive. Hence, the reaction between and

is feasible.
Here, E° for the overall reaction is positive. Hence, the reaction between and

is feasible.

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Question 8.27:
On the other hand, at the anode, either of ions or H2O molecules can get oxidized.
Predict the products of electrolysis in each of the following:
(i) An aqueous solution of AgNO3 with silver electrodes But the oxidation of involves breaking of more bonds than that of H2O molecules.

(ii) An aqueous solution AgNO3 with platinum electrodes Hence, ions have a lower oxidation potential than H2O. Thus, H2O is oxidized at the
(iii) A dilute solution of H2SO4 with platinum electrodes anode to liberate O2 molecules.
(iv) An aqueous solution of CuCl 2 with platinum electrodes. (iv) In aqueous solutions, CuCl2 ionizes to give Cu2+ and Cl– ions as:
Answer

(i) AgNO3 ionizes in aqueous solutions to form Ag + and ions. On electrolysis, either of Cu2+ ions or H2O molecules can get reduced at the cathode. But
On electrolysis, either Ag ions or H2O molecules can be reduced at the cathode. But the
+
the reduction potential of Cu 2+ is more than that of H2O molecules.
reduction potential of Ag ions is higher than that of H2O.
+

Hence, Cu2+ ions are reduced at the cathode and get deposited.
Hence, Ag+ ions are reduced at the cathode. Similarly, Ag metal or H 2O molecules can be
Similarly, at the anode, either of Cl – or H2O is oxidized. The oxidation potential of H 2O is
oxidized at the anode. But the oxidation potential of Ag is higher than that of H 2O
higher than that of Cl–.
molecules.

But oxidation of H2O molecules occurs at a lower electrode potential than that of Cl – ions
Therefore, Ag metal gets oxidized at the anode.
because of over-voltage (extra voltage required to liberate gas). As a result, Cl – ions are
(ii) Pt cannot be oxidized easily. Hence, at the anode, oxidation of water occurs to liberate
oxidized at the anode to liberate Cl 2 gas.
O2. At the cathode, Ag+ ions are reduced and get deposited.

(iii) H2SO4 ionizes in aqueous solutions to give H+ and ions. Question 8.28:
Arrange the following metals in the order in which they displace each other from the
solution of their salts.
On electrolysis, either of H ions or H2O molecules can get reduced at the cathode. But the
+

Al, Cu, Fe, Mg and Zn.

reduction potential of H+ ions is higher than that of H2O molecules.
Answer
A metal of stronger reducing power displaces another metal of weaker reducing power
from its solution of salt.

Hence, at the cathode, H ions are reduced to liberate H2 gas.

+ The order of the increasing reducing power of the given metals is Cu < Fe < Zn < Al < Mg.

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Hence, we can say that Mg can displace Al from its salt solution, but Al cannot displace
.
Mg.
(iv) In aqueous solutions, CuCl2 ionizes to give Cu2+ and Cl– ions as:
Thus, the order in which the given metals displace each other from the solution of their
salts is given below:
Mg>Al> Zn> Fe,>Cu On electrolysis, either of Cu2+ ions or H2O molecules can get reduced at the cathode. But

the reduction potential of Cu 2+ is more than that of H2O molecules.

Question 8.29:
Given the standard electrode potentials,
K+/K = –2.93V, Ag+/Ag = 0.80V, Hg2+/Hg

= 0.79V Hence, Cu2+ ions are reduced at the cathode and get deposited.

Mg2+/Mg = –2.37V. Cr3+/Cr = –0.74V Similarly, at the anode, either of Cl – or H2O is oxidized. The oxidation potential of H2O is

Arrange these metals in their increasing order of reducing power. higher than that of Cl–.

Answer
The lower the electrode potential, the stronger is the reducing agent. Therefore, the
increasing order of the reducing power of the given metals is Ag < Hg < Cr < Mg < K.
But oxidation of H2O molecules occurs at a lower electrode potential than that of Cl – ions

because of over-voltage (extra voltage required to liberate gas). As a result, Cl – ions are
Question 8.30:
Depict the galvanic cell in which the reaction Zn(s) + 2Ag+(aq) → Zn2+(aq) + 2Ag(s) takes oxidized at the anode to liberate Cl 2 gas.

place, further show:

(i) which of the electrode is negatively charged,
(ii) the carriers of the current in the cell, and (iii)
individual reaction at each electrode.
Answer
The galvanic cell corresponding to the given redox reaction can be represented as:

(i) Zn electrode is negatively charged because at this electrode, Zn oxidizes to Zn 2+ and

the leaving electrons accumulate on this electrode.
(ii) Ions are the carriers of current in the cell.
(iii) The reaction taking place at Zn electrode can be represented as:

And the reaction taking place at Ag electrode can be represented as:

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