# Redox Reactions

## Chemistry Class 11

### NCERT

1   Assign oxidation numbers to the underlined elements in each of the following species:$\\$ (a)$NaH_2\underline{P}O_4$$\\ (b)NaH\underline{S}O_4$$\\$ (c)$H_4\underline{P}_2O_7$$\\ (d)K_2\underline{Mn}O_4$$\\$ (e)$Ca\underline{O}_2$$\\ (f)Na\underline{B}H_4$$\\$ (g)$H_2\underline{S}_2O_7$$\\ (h)KAl(\underline{S}O_4)_2.12 H_2O ##### Solution : (a)NaH_2\underline{P}O_4$$\\$ Let the oxidation number of $P$ be $x.$$\\ We know that,\\ Oxidation number of Na = +1$$\\$ Oxidation number of $H = +1$$\\ Oxidation number of O = -2$$\\$ $\Rightarrow \overset{+1}Na \overset{+1}H_ 2 \overset{x}P\overset{-2}O_ 4$ Then, we have$\\$ $1(+1)+2(+1)+1(x)+4(-2)=0$$\\ \Rightarrow 1+2+x-8=0$$\\$ $\Rightarrow x=+5$$\\ Hence, the oxidation number of P is +5.$$\\$

(b) $NaH \underline{S}O _4$$\\ \overset{+1}Na \overset{+1}H \overset{x}S \overset{-2}O _4$$\\$ Then, we have$\\$ $1(+1)+1(+1)+1(x)+4(-2)=0$$\\ \Rightarrow 1+1+x-8=0$$\\$ $\Rightarrow x=+6$$\\ Hence, the oxidation number of S is + 6. (c)H_4\underline{P}_2O_7$$\\$ $\overset{+1}H_ 4 \overset{x}P_ 2 \overset{-2}O_ 7$$\\ Then, we have\\ 4(+1)+2(x)+7(-2)=0\\ \Rightarrow 4+2x-14=0\\ \Rightarrow 2x=+10\\ \Rightarrow x=+5 Hence, the oxidation number of P is + 5. (d)K_2\underline{Mn}O_4$$\\$ $\overset{+1}K_ 2\overset{x} Mn\overset{-2}O_ 4$$\\ Then, we have\\ 2(+1)+x+4(-2)=0\\ \Rightarrow 2+x-8=0\\ \Rightarrow x=+6$$\\$ Hence, the oxidation number of $Mn$ is $+ 6.$$\\ (e)Ca\underline{O}_2$$\\$ $\overset{+2}Ca\overset{x}O_2$$\\ Then, we have\\ (+2)+2(x)=0\\ \Rightarrow 2+2x=0\\ \Rightarrow x=-1$$\\$ Hence, the oxidation number of $O$ is $- 1$.

(f)$Na\underline{B}H_4$$\\ \overset{+1}Na \overset{x}B\overset{-1}H_4$$\\$ Then,we have$\\$ $1(+1)+1(x)+4(-1)=0\\ \Rightarrow 1+x-4=0\\ \Rightarrow x=+3$$\\ Hence, the oxidation number of B is + 3.$$\\$ (g)$H_2\underline{S}_2O_7$$\\ \overset{+1}H_2\overset{x}S_2\overset{-2}O_7$$\\$ Then, we have $\\$ $2(+1)+2(x)+7(-2)=0\\ \Rightarrow 2+2x-14=0\\ \Rightarrow 2x=12\\ \Rightarrow x=+6$$\\ Hence, the oxidation number of S is + 6. (h)KAl(\underline{S}O_4)_2.12 H_2O$$\\$ $\overset{+1}K\overset{3+}Al(\overset{x}S\overset{2-}O_4)_2.12\overset{+1}H_2\overset{-2}O$$\\ Then , we have\\ 1(+1)+1(+3)+2(x)+8(-2)+24(+1)+12(-2)=0\\ \Rightarrow 1+3+2x-16+24-24=0\\ \Rightarrow 2x=12\\ \Rightarrow x=+6$$\\$ 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, after ignoring the water molecule, we have$\\$ $1(+1)+1(+3)+2(x)+8(-2)=0\\ \Rightarrow 1+3+2x-16=0\\ \Rightarrow 2x=12\\ \Rightarrow x=+6$$\\ Hence, the oxidation number of S is + 6. 2 What are the oxidation numbers of the underlined elements in each of the following and how do you rationalise your results?\\ (a)K\underline{I}_3$$\\$ (b)$H_2 \underline{S}_4O_6$$\\ (c)\underline{Fe}_3O_4$$\\$ (d)$\underline{C}H_3\underline{C}H_2OH$$\\ (e)\underline{C}H_3\underline{C}OOH ##### Solution : (a)K\underline{I}_3$$\\$ In $KI _3$ , the oxidation number (O.N.) of $K$ is $+1$. Hence, the average oxidation number of $I$ is$\dfrac{-1}{3}$ . However, O.N. cannot be fractional. Therefore, we will have to consider the structure of $KI_ 3$ to find the oxidation states.$\\$ In a $KI _3$ molecule, an atom of iodine forms a coordinate covalent bond with an iodine molecule.$\\$ $\overset{+1}{K^+}[\overset{0}I-\overset{0}I\leftarrow \overset{-1}I]$$\\ Hence, in a KI _3 molecule, the O.N. of the two I atoms forming the I_ 2 molecule is 0, whereas the O.N. of the I atom forming the coordinate bond is -1.\\ (b)H_2 \underline{S}_4O_6$$\\$ $\overset{+1}H_2 \overset{x}S_4\overset{-2}O_6$$\\ Now,2(+1)+4(x)+6(-2)=0$$\\$ $\Rightarrow 2+4x-12=0$$\\ \Rightarrow 4x=10$$\\$ $\Rightarrow x=+2\dfrac{1}{2}$$\\ However, O.N. cannot be fractional. Hence, S must be present in different oxidation states in the molecule.\\ H-O-\overset{\overset{O}{||}}{\underset{\underset{O}{||}}{S^{+5}}}-\overset{0}S-\overset{0}S-\overset{\overset{O}{||}}{\underset{\underset{O}{||}}{S^{+5}}}-O-H$$\\$ The O.N. of two of the four S atoms is $+5$ and the O.N. of the other two S atoms is $0$.$\\$ (c)$\underline{Fe}_3O_4$$\\ On taking the O.N. of O as -2, the O.N. of Fe is found to be +2\dfrac{2}{3}. However, O.N. cannot be fractional. Here, one of the three Fe atoms exhibits the O.N. of +2 and the other two Fe atoms exhibit the O.N. of +3.\\ \overset{+2}FeO,\overset{+3}Fe_2O_3$$\\$ (d)$\underline{C}H_3\underline{C}H_2OH$$\\ \overset{x}C_2 \overset{+1}H_6 \overset{-2}O$$\\$ $2(x)+6(+1)+1(-2)=0$$\\ 2x+6-2=0$$\\$ $x=-2$$\\ The two carbon atoms present in this molecule are present in different environments. Hence, they cannot have the same oxidation number. Thus, C exhibits the oxidation states of -3 and -1 \\ (e)\underline{C}H_3\underline{C}OOH$$\\$ $\overset{x}C_2\overset{+1}H_4 \overset{-2}O_2$$\\ 2(x)+4(+1)+2(-2)=0$$\\$ $\Rightarrow 2x+4-4=0$$\\ \Rightarrow x=0$$\\$ 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 $+ 3$ and $-3$ in $CH _3 COOH.$$\\ H-\overset{\overset{H}{|}}{\underset{\underset{H}{|}}{C^{-2}}}-\overset{\overset{O}{||}}{C^{-2}}-O-H$$\\$

3   Justify that the following reactions are redox reactions:$\\$ (a)$CuO(s) + H _2 (g) \rightarrow Cu(s) + H _2 O(g)$$\\ (b) Fe _2 O _3 (s) + 3CO(g) \rightarrow 2Fe(s) + 3CO_ 2 (g)$$\\$ (c) $4BCl _3 (g) + 3LiAlH _4 (s) \rightarrow 2B _2 H _6 (g) + 3LiCl(s) + 3 AlCl _3 (s)$$\\ (d) 2K(s) + F_ 2 (g) \rightarrow 2K ^+ F ^- (s)$$\\$ (e) $4 NH _3 (g) + 5O _2 (g) \rightarrow 4NO(g) + 6H _2 O(g)$

##### Solution :

(a) $CuO ( s ) +H _2( g ) \to Cu ( s ) + H _2 O ( g )$$\\ Let us write the oxidation number of each element involved in the given reaction as:\\ \overset{+2}Cu \overset{-2}O(s)+\overset{0}H_2(g)\to \overset{0}Cu(s)+\overset{+1}H_2 \overset{-2}O(g)$$\\$ 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 $H_ 2 O$ i.e., $H _2$ is oxidized to $_H 2 O$. Hence, this reaction is a redox reaction.$\\$ (b) $Fe _2 O _3 (s) + 3CO(g) \rightarrow 2Fe(s) + 3CO_ 2 (g)$$\\ Let us write the oxidation number of each element in the given reaction as:\\ \overset{+3}Fe_2 \overset{-2}O_3(s)+3 \overset{+2}C \overset{-2}O(g)\to 2 \overset{0}Fe(s)+3 \overset{+4}C \overset{-2}O_2(g)$$\\$ Here, the oxidation number of $Fe$ decreases from $+3$ in $Fe _2 O _3$ to $0$ in $Fe$ i.e., $Fe _2 O _3$ is reduced to$Fe$. On the other hand, the oxidation number of $C$ increases from $+2$ in $CO$ to $+4$ in $CO _2$ i.e., $CO$ is oxidized to $CO _2$ . Hence, the given reaction is a redox reaction.$\\$ (c) $4BCl _3 (g) + 3LiAlH _4 (s) \rightarrow 2B _2 H _6 (g) + 3LiCl(s) + 3 AlCl _3 (s)$$\\ The oxidation number of each element in the given reaction can be represented as:\\ 4\overset{+3}B\overset{-1}Cl_3(g)+3\overset{+1}Li\overset{+3}Al \overset{-1}H_4(s)\to 2 \overset{-3}B_2 \overset{+1}H_6(g)+3 \overset{+1}Li \overset{-1}Cl(s)+3 \overset{+3}Al\overset{-1}Cl_3(s)$$\\$ In this reaction, the oxidation number of $B$ decreases from $+3$ in $BCl _3$ to $-3$ in $B _2 H _6$ . i.e., $BCl _3$ is reduced to $B _2 H_ 6$ . Also, the oxidation number of $H$ increases from $-1$ in $LiAlH _4$ to $+1$ in $B_ 2 H_ 6$ i.e., $LiAlH _4$ is oxidized to $B _2 H_ 6$ . Hence, the given reaction is a redox reaction.$\\$

(d) $2K(s) + F_ 2 (g) \rightarrow 2K ^+ F ^- (s)$$\\ The oxidation number of each element in the given reaction can be represented as:\\ 2\overset{0}K(s)+\overset{0}F_2(g) \to 2\overset{+1}{k^+} \overset{-1}{F^-}(s)$$\\$ In this reaction, the oxidation number of $K$ 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 $0$ in $F_ 2$ to $- 1$ in $KF$ i.e., $F _2$ is reduced to $KF.$$\\ Hence, the above reaction is a redox reaction.\\ (e) 4 NH _3 (g) + 5O _2 (g) \rightarrow 4NO(g) + 6H _2 O(g)$$\\$ The oxidation number of each element in the given reaction can be represented as:$\\$ $4\overset{-3} N\overset{+1}H _3 (g) + 5\overset{0}O _2 (g) \rightarrow 4\overset{+2}N\overset{-2}O(g) + 6\overset{+1}H _2 \overset{-2}O(g)$$\\ Here, the oxidation number of N increases from -3 in NH _3 to +2 in NO. On the other hand, the oxidation number of O_ 2 decreases from 0 in O _2 to -2 in NO and H _2 O i.e., O _2 is reduced.\\ Hence, the given reaction is a redox reaction. 4 Fluorine reacts with ice and results in the change:\\ H _2 O(s) + F_ 2 (g) \to HF(g) + HOF(g)$$\\$ Justify that this reaction is a redox reaction.

##### Solution :

Let us write the oxidation number of each atom involved in the given reaction above its symbol as:$\\$ $\overset{+1}H_2\overset{-2}O+\overset{0}F_2\to \overset{+1}H\overset{-1}F+\overset{+1}H\overset{-2}O\overset{+1}F$$\\ Here, we have observed that the oxidation number of F increases from 0 in F _2 to +1 in HOF.$$\\$ 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.$\\$

5   Calculate the oxidation number of sulphur, chromium and nitrogen in $H_ 2 SO_ 5 , Cr_ 2 O _7^{ 2 - }$ and $NO_ 3^{-}$ Suggest structure of these compounds. Count for the fallacy

##### Solution :

(i)$\overset{+1}H_2\overset{x}S\overset{-2}O_5$$\\ 2(+1)+1(x)+5(-2)=0$$\\$ $\Rightarrow 2+x-10=0$$\\ \Rightarrow x=+8$$\\$ 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.$$\\ The structure of H _2 SO_ 5 is shown as follows:\\ \overset{+1}H-\overset{-2}O-\overset{\overset{O^{-2}}{||}}{\underset{\underset{O_{-2}}{||}}{S^x}}-\overset{-1}O-\overset{-1}O-\overset{+1}H \\ 2(H)+1(S)+3(O)+2(O in peroxy linkage)\\ Now,2(+1)+1(x)+3(-2)+2(-1)=0$$\\$ $\Rightarrow 2+x-6-2=0$$\\ \Rightarrow x=+6$$\\$ Therefore, the O.N. of S is $+6.$$\\ (ii)\overset{x}Cr_2 \overset{2-}{O_7^{2-}}$$\\$ $2(x)+7(-2)=-2$$\\ \Rightarrow 2x-14=-2$$\\$ $\Rightarrow x=+6$$\\ Here, there is no fallacy about the O.N. of Cr in Cr_ 2 O _7^{ 2 -}$$\\$ The structure of $Cr_ 2 O_ 7^{ 2 -}$ is shown as follows:$\\$ $\overset{2-}O=\overset{\overset{\overset{2-}{O}}{||}}{\underset{\underset{\underset{1-}{O^-}}{||}}{Cr^{+6}}}-\overset{2-}{O}-\overset{\overset{\overset{2-}{O}}{||}}{\underset{\underset{\underset{1-}{O^-}}{||}}{Cr^{+6}}}-\overset{2-}O$$\\ Here, each of the two Cr atoms exhibits the O.N. of +6.$$\\$ (iii)$\overset{x}N\overset{2-}{O_3^{-}}$$\\ 1(x)+3(-2)=-1$$\\$ $\Rightarrow x-6=-1$$\\ \Rightarrow x=+5$$\\$ Here, there is no fallacy about the O.N. of N in $NO _3 ^{-}$ . The structure of $NO _3^{-}$ is shown as follows:$\\$

6   Write the formulae for the following compounds:$\\$ (a) Mercury(II) chloride$\\$ (b) Nickel(II) sulphate$\\$ (c) Tin(IV) oxide$\\$ (d) Thallium(I) sulphate$\\$ (e) Iron(III) sulphate$\\$ (f) Chromium(III) oxide

##### Solution :

(a) Mercury (II) chloride:$\\$ $HgCl _2$ $\\$ (b) Nickel (II) sulphate:$\\$ $NiSO _4$ $\\$ (c) Tin (IV) oxide:$\\$ $SnO_ 2$ $\\$ (d) Thallium (I) sulphate:$\\$ $Tl _2 SO _4$ $\\$ (e) Iron (III) sulphate:$\\$ $Fe _2 (SO _4 )_ 3$ $\\$ (f) Chromium (III) oxide:$\\$ $Cr_ 2 O _3$

7   Suggest a list of the substances where carbon can exhibit oxidation states from $-4$ to $+4$ and nitrogen from $-3$ to $+5.$

##### Solution :

The substances where carbon can exhibit oxidation states from $-4$ to $+4$ are listed in the following table.$\\$ $\begin{array}{|c|c|}\hline \text{Substance}& \text{O.N. of carbon}\\ \hline CH_ 2 Cl_ 2&0 \\ \hline ClC \equiv CCl &+1\\ \hline HC \equiv CH&-1\\ \hline CHCl _3 , CO &+2\\ \hline CH _3 Cl&-2\\ \hline Cl _3 C - CCl_ 3&+3\\ \hline H _3 C - CH _3&-3\\ \hline CCl _4 , CO _2& +4\\ \hline CH _4 &-4\\ \hline \end{array}$ $\\$ The substances where nitrogen can exhibit oxidation states from $-3$ to $+5$ are listed in the following table.$\\$ $\begin{array}{|c|c|} \hline \text{Substance}& \text{O.N. of nitrogen}\\ \hline N_2&0\\ \hline N _2 O &+1\\ \hline N_ 2 H_ 2 &-1\\ \hline NO& +2\\ \hline N _2 H_ 4& -2\\ \hline N _2 O _3& +3\\ \hline NH _3 &-3\\ \hline NO _2&+4\\ \hline N _2 O _5&+5\\ \hline \end{array}$ $\\$

8   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?

In sulphur dioxide $(SO_ 2 )$, 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, SO _2 can act as an oxidising as well as a reducing agent.\\ In hydrogen peroxide (H _2 O _2 ), the O.N. of O is -1 and the range of the O.N. that O can have is from 0 to -2. O can sometimes also attain the oxidation numbers +1 and +2. \\ Hence, H _2 O_ 2 can act as an oxidising as well as a reducing agent.\\ In ozone (O _3 ), the O.N. of O is zero and the range of the O.N. that O can have is from 0 to -2. \\ Therefore, the O.N. of O can only decrease in this case. Hence, O _3 acts only as an oxidant. In nitric acid (HNO _3 ), the O.N. of N is +5 and the range of the O.N. that N can have is from +5 to -3. Therefore, the O.N. of N can only decrease in this case. \\Hence, HNO _3 acts only as an oxidant. 9 Consider the reactions:\\ (a) 6 CO _2 (g) + 6H _2 O(l) \to C _6 H _{12 }O _6 (aq) + 6O_ 2 (g) \\ (b) O _3 (g) + H_ 2 O _2 (l) \to H_ 2 O(l) + 2O_ 2 (g) \\ Why it is more appropriate to write these reactions as:\\ (a) 6CO _2 (g) + 12H _2 O(l) \to C _6 H _{12} O_ 6 (aq) + 6H _2 O(l) + 6O_ 2 (g) \\ (b) O _3 (g) + H_ 2 O_ 2 (l) \to H_ 2 O(l) + O_ 2 (g) + O_ 2 (g) \\ Also suggest a technique to investigate the path of the above (a) and (b) redoxreactions. ##### Solution : (a)The process of photosynthesis involves two steps.\\ \text{Step 1:} \\ H _2 O decomposes to give H_ 2 and O_ 2 . \\ 2 H _2 O ( l ) \to 2 H _2( g ) + O _2( g ) \\ \text{Step 2:} \\ The H_ 2 produced in step 1reduces CO_ 2 , thereby producing glucose (C _6 H _{12} O _6 ) and H _2 O.\\ 6 CO _2( g ) + 12 H _2( g ) \to C_ 6 H _{12} O_ 6( s ) + 6 H _2 O ( l ) \\ Now, the net reaction of the process is given as:\\ 2 H _2 O ( l ) \to 2 H_ 2( g ) +O _2( g ) ]* 6 \\ \dfrac{6 CO _2( g ) + 12 H _2( g ) \to C _6 H _{12} O _6( s ) + 6 H _2 O ( l )}{6 CO _2( g ) + 12 H_ 2 O ( l ) \to C _6 H _{12} O _6( g ) + 6 H _2 O ( l ) +6 O _2( g )} \\ It is more appropriate to write the reaction as given above because water molecules are also produced in the process of photosynthesis.\\ The path of this reaction can be investigated by using radioactive H _2 O_{ 18} in place of H _2 O. \\ (b) O_ 2 is produced from each of the two reactants O_ 3 and H _2 O _2 . For this reason, O _2 is written twice.\\ The given reaction involves two steps. First, O _3 decomposes to form O _2 and O. In the second step, H _2 O _2 reacts with the O produced in the first step, thereby producing H_ 2 O and O _2 .$$\\$ $O _3( g ) \to O _2( g ) + O ( g )$ $\\$ $\dfrac{H_ 2 O _2( l ) + O ( g ) \to H_ 2 O ( l ) +O _2( g )}{H _2 O _2( l ) + O _3( g ) \to H_ 2 O ( l ) + O_ 2( g ) +O _2( g )}$ $\\$ The path of this reaction can be investigated by using $H _2 O_ 2 ^{18}$ or$O _3^{ 18}$ .

10   The compound $AgF _2$ is an unstable compound. However, if formed, the compound acts as a very strong oxidizing agent. Why?

##### Solution :

Bromine is a stronger oxidizing agent when compared to I2. It oxidises the S of $S_2O_3 ^{-2}$to a higher oxidation state +6 in $SO_ 4^{ -2}$ While I2 oxidises S of $S_2O_3 ^{-2}$ to a lower oxidation state 2.5 in $S_4O_6^{ -2}$ . That’s why same reductant, thiosulphate react differently with bromine and iodine.

15   Justify giving reactions that among halogens, fluorine is the best oxidant and among hydrohalic compounds, hydroiodic acid is the best reductant.

##### Solution :

$F _2$ can oxidize $Cl ^–$ to $Cl ^2 , Br ^– to Br _2$, and $I ^–$ to $I _2$ as: $F_ 2( aq ) + 2 Cl ^-( s ) \to 2 F ^-( aq ) + Cl ( g )\\ F _2( aq ) +2 Br^- ( aq ) \to 2 F^- ( aq ) + Br _2( l )\\ F _2( aq ) + 2 I^- ( aq ) \to 2 F^- ( aq ) + I 2( s )$ On the other hand, $Cl _2 , Br _2 ,$ and $I _2$ cannot oxidize $F ^–$ to$F _2$ . The oxidizing power of halogens increases in the order of $I_ 2 < Br_ 2 < Cl_ 2 < F _2$ . $\\$Hence, fluorine is the best oxidant among halogens.$\\$ HI and HBr can reduce $H _2 SO _4$ to $SO _2$ , but HCl and HF cannot. Therefore, HI and HBr are stronger reductants than HCl and HF.$\\$ $2 HI + H _2 SO_ 4 \to I _2 + SO _2 + 2 H _2 O\\ 2 HBr + H_ 2 SO_ 4 \to Br_ 2 + SO _2+ 2 H _2 O$$\\ Again, I ^– can reduce Cu^{ 2+} to Cu ^+ , but Br ^– cannot. 4 I ^-( aq ) + 2 Cu _2( aq ) \to Cu_ 2 I ^2( s ) + I _2( aq )$$\\$ 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.

16   Why does the following reaction occur?$\\$ $XeO _6 ^{4 -} ( aq ) + 2 F ^+ ( aq ) + 6 H ^+ ( aq ) \to XeO_ 3 ( g ) + F_ 2 ( g ) + 3 H _2 O ( l )$ What conclusion about the compound $Na _4 XeO _6$ (of which $XeO _6 ^{4 -}$ is a part) can be drawn from the reaction.

The given reaction occurs because $XeO _6 ^{4 -}$ oxidises $F ^-$ and $F ^-$ reduces $XeO _6 ^{4 -}$ . $\overset{+8}XeO _6 ^{4 -} ( aq ) + 2 \overset{-1}F^- ( aq ) + 6 H ^+ ( aq ) \to \overset{+6}X eO _3( g ) + \overset{0}F_ 2( g ) + 3 H _2 O ( l )$ In this reaction, the oxidation number (O.N.) of Xe decreases from +8 in $XeO _6 ^{4 -}$ to +6 in $XeO _3$ and the O.N. of F increases from –1 in $F^ –$ to O in $F_ 2 .$$\\ Hence, we can conclude that Na _4 XeO _6 is a stronger oxidising agent than F^ – . 17 Consider the reactions:\\ ( a ) H _3 PO _2 ( aq )+ 4 AgNO_ 3 ( aq )+ 2 H _2 O ( l )\to H _3 PO _4 ( aq )+ 4 Ag ( s )+ 4 HNO _3 ( aq )$$\\$ ( b ) $H _3 PO _2 ( aq ) + 2 CuSO_ 4 ( aq )+ 2 H _2 O ( l )\to H _3 PO_ 4 ( aq )+ 2 Cu ( s )+ H _2 SO _4 ( aq )$$\\ ( c ) C_ 6 H_ 5 CHO ( l )+ 2 [ Ag ( NH _3 ) _2 ]^+ (aq )+ 3 OH ^– ( aq )\to C_ 6 H _5 COO ^– ( aq )\\+ 2 Ag ( s )+ 4 NH _3 ( aq ) ( d) C _6 H_ 5 C HO ( l ) + 2 Cu ^{2 +}( aq )+ 5 OH ^– ( aq )\to No change observed .\\ What inference do you draw about the behaviour of Ag^ + and Cu^{ 2+} from these reactions? ##### Solution : Ag ^+ and Cu^{ 2+} act as oxidising agents in reactions (a) and (b) respectively.\\ In reaction (c), Ag ^+ oxidises C _6 H _5 CHO to C _6 H _5 COO^ – , but in reaction (d), Cu ^{2+} cannot oxidise C _6 H _5 CHO.$$\\$ Hence, we can say that $Ag^ +$ is a stronger oxidising agent than $Cu ^{2+}$

18   Balance the following redox reactions by ion-electron method:$\\$ ( a )$MnO _4 ^-( aq )+ I ^– ( aq ) \to MnO_ 2 ( s )+ I _2 ( s )$ (in basic medium )$\\$ ( b )$MnO _4 ^-( aq )+ SO_ 2 ( g )\to Mn ^{2 +}( aq )+ HSO _4 ^-( aq )$ in acidic solution $\\$ ( c )$H _2 O _2 ( aq )+ Fe^{ 2 +}( aq )\to Fe^{3 +}( aq )+ H_ 2 O ( l )$ in acidic solution $\\$ ( d )$Cr _2 O _7 ^{2 -}+ SO _2 ( g )\to Cr ^{3 +}( aq )+ SO _4 ^{2 -}(aq )$ in acid ic solution $\\$

##### Solution :

(a) Step 1:The two half reactions involved in the given reaction are:$\\$ Oxidation half reaction:$\overset{-1}I(aq)\to\overset{0}I_2(s)$ $\\$ Reduction half reaction:$\overset{+7}MnO^-_4(aq)\to \overset{+4}MnO_2(aq)$ $\\$ Step 2:$\\$ Balancing I in the oxidation half reaction, we have:$\\$ $2 I ^- ( aq ) \to I_ 2( s )$$\\ Now, to balance the charge, we add 2 e ^– to the RHS of the reaction.\\ 2 I ^- ( aq )\to I _2( s ) + 2 e ^-$$\\$ Step 3: In the reduction half reaction, the oxidation state of Mn has reduced from +7 to +4.$\\$ Thus, 3 electrons are added to the LHS of the reaction.$\\$ $MnO_ 4^-( aq ) + 3 e ^-\to MnO _2( aq )$$\\ Now, to balance the charge, we add 4 OH ^– ions to the RHS of the reaction as the reaction is taking place in a basic medium.\\ MnO_ 4^-( aq ) + 3 e ^-\to MnO _2( aq )+ 4 OH ^-$$\\$ Step 5:$\\$ Equalizing the number of electrons by multiplying the oxidation half reaction by 3 and the reduction half reaction by 2, we have:$\\$ $6 I ^- ( aq ) \to 3 I _2( s ) + 6 e ^-\\ 2 MnO _4^-( aq ) + 4 H_ 2 O + 6 e ^- \to 2 MnO _2( aq ) + 8 OH^- ( aq )$$\\ Step 6:\\ Adding the two half reactions, we have the net balanced redox reaction as:\\ 6 I^- ( aq ) + 2 MnO_ 4^-( aq ) + 4 H _2 O ( l ) \to 3 I _2( s ) + 2 MnO _2( s ) + 8 OH ^-( aq )$$\\$ (b)Following the steps as in part (a), we have the oxidation half reaction as:$\\$ $SO _2( g ) + 2 H _2 O ( l ) \to HSO_ 4^-( aq ) + 3 H^+ ( aq ) + 2 e^- ( aq )$$\\ And the reduction half reaction as:\\ MnO_ 4^-( aq ) + 8 H^+ ( aq ) + 5 e ^- \to Mn^{2+} ( aq ) + 4 H _2 O ( l )$$\\$ 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:

$2 MnO^-_ 4( aq ) + 5 SO _2( g ) + 2 H_ 2 O ( l ) + H ^+( aq ) \to 2 Mn^{2+} ( aq )+5 HSO ^{4+}( aq )$$\\ (c) Following the steps as in part (a), we have the oxidation half reaction as:\\ Fe ^{2+}( aq ) + Fe^{3+} ( aq ) +e ^-$$\\$ And the reduction half reaction as:$\\$ $H_ 2 O _2( aq ) + 2 H^+ ( aq ) + 2 e ^- \to 2 H_ 2 O ( l )$$\\ Multiplying the oxidation half reaction by 2 and then adding it to the reduction half reaction, we have the net balanced redox reaction as:\\ H _2 O_ 2( aq ) + 2 Fe^{ 2 +} ( aq ) + 2 H^+ ( aq ) \to 2 Fe^{ 3 +}( aq ) +2 H _2 O ( l )$$\\$ (d) Following the steps as in part (a), we have the oxidation half reaction as:$\\$ $SO_ 2( g ) + 2 H _2 O ( l ) \to SO _4^{2-}( aq ) + 4 H^+ ( aq ) + 2 e ^-$$\\ And the reduction half reaction as:\\ Cr _2 O _7^{2- }( aq ) + 14 H ^+ ( aq ) + 6 e ^-\to Cr ^{3 +} ( aq ) + 7 H _2 O ( l )$$\\$ Multiplying the oxidation half reaction by 3 and then adding it to the reduction half reaction, we have the net balanced redox reaction as:$\\$ $Cr_ 2 O _7^{2 -}( aq ) + 3 SO_ 2( g ) + 2 H ^+ ( aq ) \to 2 Cr ^{3 +} ( aq ) + 3 SO_ 4^{ 2 -}( aq ) + H_2 O ( l )$

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)$P _4( s ) + OH^- ( aq ) \to PH _3( g ) + HPO_ 2^-( aq )$$\\ (b) N _2 H_ 4( l ) + ClO_ 3^-( aq ) \to NO ( g ) + Cl^- ( aq )$$\\$ (c)$Cl _2 O _7( g ) + H_ 2 O _2( aq ) \to ClO_ 2^-( aq )+ O _2( g ) + H ^+( aq )$$\\ ##### Solution : (a)The O.N. (oxidation number) of P decreases from 0 in P_ 4 to – 3 in PH _3 and increases from 0 in P _4 to + 2 in HPO_ 2 ^- . Hence, P_ 4 acts both as an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent in this reaction.\\ Ion–electron method:\\ The oxidation half equation is:\\ P _4( s ) \to HPO_ {2-}( aq ) \\ The P atom is balanced as: \\ \overset{0}P_4(s)\to 4H\overset{2+}PO^-_2(aq) \\ The O.N. is balanced by adding 8 electrons as:\\ P_ 4( s ) \to 4 HPO _2^-( aq ) + 8 e^-$$\\$ The charge is balanced by adding $12OH ^–$ as:$\\$ $P _4( s ) + 12 OH ^-( aq ) \to 4 HPO _2^-( aq ) + 8 e ^-$$\\ The H and O atoms are balanced by adding 4H _2 O as:\\ P_ 4( s ) + 12 OH^- ( aq ) \to 4 HPO_ 2^-( aq ) + 4 H _2 O ( l ) + 8 e ^- ......(i)$$\\$ The reduction half equation is:$\\$ $P _4( s ) \to PH _3( g )$$\\ The P atom is balanced as\\ \overset{0}P _4( s ) \to 4 P H _3( g )$$\\$ The O.N. is balanced by adding 12 electrons as:$\\$ $P_ 4( s ) + 12 e ^-\to 4 PH_ 3( g )$ The charge is balanced by adding $12OH ^–$ as:$\\$

$P _4( s ) + 12 e ^- \to 4 PH _3( g ) + 12 OH^- ( aq )$$\\ The O and H atoms are balanced by adding 12H_ 2 O as:\\ P_ 4( s ) + 12 H _2 O ( l ) + 12 e ^-\to 4 PH_ 3( g ) + 12 HO^- ( aq ) (ii)\\ By multiplying equation (i) with 3 and (ii) with 2 and then adding them, the balanced chemical equation can be obtained as:\\ 5 P _4( s ) + 12 H _2 O ( l ) + 12 HO^- ( aq ) \to 8 PH_ 3( g )+ 12 HPO^- ( aq ) The oxidation number of N increases from – 2 in N _2 H _4 to + 2 in NO and the oxidation number of Cl decreases from + 5 in ClO _3 ^- to – 1 in Cl ^– .\\ Hence, in this reaction, N _2 H _4 is the reducing agent and ClO _3 ^- is the oxidizing agent. Ion–electron method:\\ The oxidation half equation is:\\ \overset{-2}N_ 2 H _4( l ) \to \overset{+2}N O ( g )$$\\$ The N atoms are balanced as:$\\$ $N_ 2 H _4( l )\to 2 NO ( g )$ The oxidation number is balanced by adding 8 electrons as:$\\$ $N _2 H _4( l ) \to 2 NO ( g ) + 8 e ^-$$\\ The charge is balanced by adding 8 OH^ – ions as:\\ N _2 H _4( l )+ 8 OH ^-( aq ) \to 2 NO ( g ) + 8 e ^-$$\\$ The O atoms are balanced by adding $6H _2 O$ as:$\\$ $N_ 2 H _4( l ) + 8 OH^- ( aq ) \to 2 NO ( g ) + 6 H _2 O ( l ) + 8 e ^- ......(i)$$\\ The reduction half equation is:\\ \overset{+5}C lO ^-_3( aq ) \to C l^- ( aq ) \\ The oxidation number is balanced by adding 6 electrons as:\\ ClO^-_ 3( aq ) + 6 e ^-\to Cl ^-( aq )$$\\$ The charge is balanced by adding $6OH^ –$ ions as:$\\$ $ClO_ 3^-( aq ) + 6 e ^-\to Cl^- ( aq ) + 6 OH^- ( aq )$$\\ The O atoms are balanced by adding 3H_ 2 O as:\\ ClO_ 3^-( aq ) + 3 H_ 2 O ( l ) + 6 e ^-\to Cl^- ( aq ) + 6 OH ^-( aq ) .......(ii)$$\\$ The balanced equation can be obtained by multiplying equation (i) with 3 and equation (ii) with 4 and then adding them as:$\\$

$3 N _2 H _4( l ) \to 6 NO ( g ) + 4 Cl^- ( aq ) + 6 H_ 2 O ( l )$$\\ Oxidation number method:\\ Total decrease in oxidation number of N = 2 * 4 = 8$$\\$ Total increase in oxidation number of $Cl = 1 * 6 = 6$$\\ On multiplying N _2 H _4 with 3 and ClO _3 ^- with 4 to balance the increase and decrease in O.N., we get:\\ 3 N _2 H _4( l ) \to 4 ClO _3^-( aq ) \to NO ( g ) + Cl ^-( aq )$$\\$ The N and Cl atoms are balanced as:$\\$ $3 N _2 H _4( l ) + 4 ClO _3^-( aq ) \to 6 NO ( g ) + 4 Cl ^-( aq )$$\\ The O atoms are balanced by adding 6H _2 O as:\\ 3 N _2 H _4( l ) + 4 ClO_ 3^-( aq ) \to 6 NO ( g ) + 4 Cl^- ( aq ) + 6 H_ 2 O ( l )$$\\$ This is the required balanced equation.$\\$ The oxidation number of Cl decreases from + 7 in $Cl _2 O_ 7$to $+ 3$ in $ClO^{ 2 +}$ and the oxidation number of O increases from – 1 in $H_ 2 O_ 2$to zero in $O _2$ . Hence, in this reaction, $Cl _2 O _7$ is the oxidizing agent and $H _2 O _2$ is the reducing agent.

Ion–electron method:$\\$ The oxidation half equation is:$\\$ $H _2 \overset{-1}O_ 2( aq ) \to O 2( g )$$\\ The oxidation number is balanced by adding 2 electrons as:\\ H _2 O_ 2( aq ) \to O _2( g ) + 2 e ^-$$\\$ The charge is balanced by adding 2OH – ions as: $H _2 O _2( aq ) + 2 OH^- ( aq ) \to O _2( g ) + 2 e ^-$$\\ The oxygen atoms are balanced by adding 2H_ 2 O as:\\ H _2 O _2( aq ) + 2 OH ^-( aq ) \to O_ 2( g ) + 2 H_ 2 O ( l ) + 2 e - (i)$$\\$ The reduction half equation is:$\\$ $\overset{+7}C l_ 2 O _7( g ) \to \overset{+3}C lO_ 2^-(aq )$$\\ The Cl atoms are balanced as:\\ Cl _2 O_ 7( g ) \to 2 ClO_ 2^-( aq )$$\\$ The oxidation number is balanced by adding 8 electrons as:$\\$ $Cl _2 O _7( g ) + 8 e ^- \to 2 ClO _2^-( aq )$$\\ The charge is balanced by adding 6OH^ – as:\\ Cl _2 O_ 7( g ) + 8 e ^-\to 2 ClO _2^-( aq ) + 6 OH^- ( aq )$$\\$ The oxygen atoms are balanced by adding $3H _2 O$ as:

$Cl_ 2 O _7( g ) + 3 H _2 O ( l ) + 8 e ^-\to 2 ClO_ 2^-( aq ) + 6 OH^- ( aq ) (ii)$$\\ The balanced equation can be obtained by multiplying equation (i) with 4 and adding equation\\ (ii) to it as: Cl _2 O_ 7( g ) + 4 H_ 2 O _2( aq ) + 2 OH ^-( aq ) \to 2 ClO _2^-( aq ) + 4 O_ 2( g ) +5H _2 O ( l )$$\\$ Oxidation number method:$\\$ Total decrease in oxidation number of $Cl_ 2 O_ 7 = 4 * 2 = 8$$\\ Total increase in oxidation number of H _2 O _2 = 2 *1 = 2$$\\$ By multiplying $H_ 2 O _2$ and $O _2$ with 4 to balance the increase and decrease in the oxidation number, we get:$\\$ $Cl_ 2 O_ 7( g ) + 4 H _2 O _2( aq )\to ClO_ 2^-( aq ) + 4 O_ 2( g )$$\\ The Cl atoms are balanced as:\\ Cl _2 O _7( g ) + 4 H _2 O_ 2( aq ) \to 2 ClO _2^-( aq ) + 4 O_ 2( g )$$\\$ The O atoms are balanced by adding $3H _2 O$ as:$\\$ $Cl _2 O _7( g ) + 4 H _2 O_ 2( aq ) \to 2 ClO_ 2^-( aq ) + 4 O_ 2( g ) + 3 H_ 2 O ( l )$$\\ The H atoms are balanced by adding 2OH ^– and 2H _2 O as:\\ Cl _2 O _7( g ) + 4 H _2 O _2( aq ) + 2 OH^- ( aq ) \to 2 ClO _2^-( aq )+ 4 O _2( g ) + 5 H_ 2 O ( l )$$\\$ This is the required balanced equation.

20   What sorts of informations can you draw from the following reaction?$\\$ $( CN )_ 2( g ) + 2 OH ^- ( aq )\to CN^- ( aq ) + CNO^- ( aq ) + H _2 O ( l )$

The oxidation numbers of carbon in $(CN) _2 , CN ^–$ and $CNO^ –$ are +3, +2 and +4respectively.$\\$ These are obtained as shown below:$\\$ Let the oxidation number of C be x.$\\$ $(CN) _2\\ 2(x – 3) = 0\\ \therefore x = 3\\ CN ^–\\ x – 3 = –1\\ \therefore x = 2\\ CNO ^–\\ x – 3 – 2 = –1\\ \therefore x = 4$$\\ The oxidation number of carbon in the various species is:\\ (\overset{+3}CN)_2(g)+2OH^-(aq)\to \overset{+2}CN^-(aq)+\overset{+4}CNO^-(aq)+H_2O(l) \\ It can be easily observed that the same compound is being reduced and oxidized simultaneously in the given equation. Reactions in which the same compound is reduced and oxidised is known as disproportionation reactions. Thus, it can be said that the alkaline decomposition of cyanogen is an example of disproportionation reaction. 21 The Mn ^{3+} ion is unstable in solution and undergoes disproportionation to give Mn^{ 2+} , MnO_ 2 , and H^ + ion. Write a balanced ionic equation for the reaction. ##### Solution : The given reaction can be represented as:\\ Mn^{3+} ( aq ) \to Mn^{2+} ( aq ) + MnO_ 2( s ) + H^+ ( aq )$$\\$ The oxidation half equation is:$\\$ $\overset{+3}M n^3+} ( aq ) \to \overset{+4}MnO _2( s )$$\\ The oxidation number is balanced by adding one electron as:\\ Mn ^{3+}( aq ) \to MnO_ 2( s ) + e ^-$$\\$ The charge is balanced by adding $4H^ +$ ions as:$\\$ $Mn^{3+} ( aq ) \to MnO _2( s ) + 4 H ^+( aq ) + e ^-$$\\ The O atoms and H ^+ ions are balanced by adding 2H _2 O molecules as:\\ Mn^{3+} ( aq ) + 2 H_ 2 O ( l ) \to MnO_ 2( s ) + 4 H^+ ( aq ) +e ^- .......(i)$$\\$ The reduction half equation is:$\\$ $Mn^{3+} ( aq ) \to Mn^{2+} ( aq )$$\\ The oxidation number is balanced by adding one electron as:\\ Mn^{3+} ( aq ) + e ^- \to Mn ^{2+}( aq ) ...... (ii)$$\\$ The balanced chemical equation can be obtained by adding equation (i) and (ii) as:$\\$ $2 Mn^{3+} ( aq ) + 2 H _2 O ( l ) \to MnO_ 2( s ) + 2 Mn^{2+} ( aq ) + 4 H ^+( aq )$

22   Consider the elements:$\\$ Cs, Ne, I and F$\\$ (a) Identify the element that exhibits only negative oxidation state.$\\$ (b) Identify the element that exhibits only positive oxidation state.$\\$ (c) Identify the element that exhibits both positive and negative oxidation states.$\\$ (d) Identify the element which exhibits neither the negative nor does the positive oxidation state.

##### Solution :

(a) F exhibits only negative oxidation state of –1.$\\$ (b) Cs exhibits positive oxidation state of +1.$\\$ (c) I exhibit both positive and negative oxidation states. It exhibits oxidation states of – 1, + 1, + 3, + 5, and + 7.$\\$ (d) The oxidation state of Ne is zero. It exhibits neither negative nor positive oxidation states.$\\$

23   Chlorine is used to purify drinking water. Excess of chlorine is harmful. The excess of chlorine is removed by treating with sulphur dioxide. Present a balanced equation for this redox change taking place in water.

##### Solution :

(a) The possible reaction between $Fe ^{3+}(aq ) + I^- ( aq )$ is given by,$\\$ $2 Fe^{3+} ( aq ) + 2 I ^-( aq ) \to 2 Fe^{2+} ( aq ) +I _2( s )$$\\ Oxidation half equation: 2 I^- (aq ) \to I _2( s ) + 2 e^- ; E ^o =- 0.54 V$$\\$ $\underline{\text{Reduction half equation:} [ Fe^{3+} ( aq ) + e ^-\to Fe ^{2+}( aq ) ]* 2; E ^o =+ 0.77 V}\\ 2 Fe^{3+} ( aq ) + 2 I^- ( aq ) \to 2 Fe^{2+} ( aq ) +I_ 2( s ) ; E^ o =+ 0.23 V$$\\ E° for the overall reaction is positive. Thus, the reaction between Fe^{3+} ( aq ) and I^- ( aq ) is feasible.\\ (b) The possible reaction between Ag^+ ( aq ) + Cu ( s ) is given by,\\ 2 Ag^+ ( aq ) + Cu ( s ) \to 2 Ag ( s ) + Cu^{2+} ( aq )$$\\$ Oxidation half equation: $Cu ( s ) \to Cu^{2+} ( aq ) + 2 e ^- ; E ^o =- 0.34 V$$\\ \underline{\text{Reduction half equation: }[ Ag ^+( aq ) + e ^- \to Ag ( s ) ]* 2; E ^o =+ 0.80 V}\\ 2 Ag^+ ( aq ) + Cu ( s ) \to 2 Ag ( s ) + Cu ^{2 +} ; E ^o =+ 0.46 V$$\\$ E° positive for the overall reaction is positive. Hence, the reaction between $Ag^+ ( aq )$ and $Cu ( s )$ is feasible.

(c) The possible reaction between $Fe^{3+} ( aq )$ and $Cu ( s )$ is given by,$\\$ $2 Fe^{3+} ( aq ) + Cu ( s ) \to Fe^{2+} ( s ) + Cu^{2+} ( aq )$$\\ Oxidation half equation: Cu ( s ) \to Cu^{2+} ( aq ) + 2 e ^- ; E^ o =-0.34 V$$\\$ $\underline{\text{Reduction half equation: }[ Fe^{3+} ( aq ) + e ^-\to Fe^{2+} ( s )]* 2; E^ o =+ 0.77 V}\\ 2 Fe ^{3+}( aq ) + Cu ( s ) \to 2 Fe^{2+} ( s) + Cu^{2+} ( aq ) ; E^ o =+ 0.43 V$ $\\$ E° positive for the overall reaction is positive. Hence, the reaction between $Fe^3 ( aq )$ and $Cu ( s )$ is feasible.$\\$

(d) The possible reaction between $Ag ( s )$ and $Fe^{3+} ( aq )$ is given by,$\\$ $Ag ( s ) + 2 Fe^{3+} ( aq ) \to Ag^+ ( aq ) + Fe^{2+} ( aq )$ Oxidation half equation: $Ag ( s ) \to Ag ( ^+ aq ) + e ^- ; E ^o =- 0.80 V$$\\ \underline{\text{Reduction half equation: }Fe^{3+} (aq ) + e^-\to Fe^{2+} ( aq ) ; E ^o =+ 0.77 V}\\ Ag ( s ) + Fe ^{3+}( aq ) \to Ag^+ ( aq ) + Fe^{2+} ( aq ) ; E ^o=- 0.03 V \\ Here, E° for the overall reaction is negative. Hence, the reaction between Ag ( s ) and Fe^{3+} ( aq ) is not feasible.\\ (e) The possible reaction between Br _2( aq ) and Fe^{2+} ( aq ) is given by,\\ Br_ 2( s ) + 2 Fe^{2+} ( aq ) \to 2 Br^- ( aq ) + 2 Fe^{+3} ( aq )$$\\$ Oxidation half equation: $Fe^{2+} ( aq ) \to Fe^{3+} ( aq ) + e ^-]* 2 ; E^ o =- 0.77 V$$\\ \underline{\text{Reduction half equation: }Br_ 2( aq ) + 2 e ^-\to Br^- ( aq ) ; E^ o =+ 1.09 V}\\ Br_ 2( aq ) + 2 Fe^{2+} ( aq ) \to 2 Br^- ( aq ) + 2 Fe^{3+} ( aq ) ; E ^o =+0.32 V$$\\$ Here, E° for the overall reaction is positive. Hence, the reaction between $Br _2( aq )$ and $Fe^{2+} ( aq )$ is feasible.

27   Predict the products of electrolysis in each of the following:$\\$ (i) An aqueous solution of $AgNO _3$ with silver electrodes$\\$ (ii) An aqueous solution $AgNO _3$ with platinum electrodes$\\$ (iii)A dilute solution of $H _2 SO _4$ with platinum electrodes$\\$ (iv) An aqueous solution of $CuCl_ 2$ with platinum electrodes.

##### Solution :

(i) $AgNO_ 3$ ionizes in aqueous solutions to form $Ag^ +$ and $NO_ 3 ^-$ ions.$\\$ On electrolysis, either $Ag^ +$ ions or $H_ 2 O$ molecules can be reduced at the cathode. But the reduction potential of $Ag ^+$ ions is higher than that of $H _2 O.$$\\ Ag ^+( aq ) + e ^- \to Ag ( s ) ; E^ o =+ 0.80 V\\ 2 H_ 2 O ( l ) + 2 e ^-\to H _2( g ) +2 OH^- ( aq ) ; E ^o =-0.83 V$$\\$ Hence, $Ag^+$ ions are reduced at the cathode. $\\$ Similarly, Ag metal or $H _2 O$ molecules can be oxidized at the anode. But the oxidation potential of Ag is higher than that of $H _2 O$ molecules.$\\$ $Ag ( s ) \to Ag^+ ( aq ) + e ^- ; E^ o =- 0.80 V\\ 2 H_ 2 O ( l ) \to O _2( g ) + 4 H^+ ( aq ) + 4 e ^- ; E^ o =- 1.23 V$$\\ Therefore, Ag metal gets oxidized at the anode.\\ (ii) Pt cannot be oxidized easily. Hence, at the anode, oxidation of water occurs to liberate O_ 2 . At the cathode, Ag^ + ions are reduced and get deposited.\\ (iii) H _2 SO _4 ionizes in aqueous solutions to giveH ^+ and SO _4 ^{2- } ions.\\ H _2 SO _4( aq ) \to 2 H^+ ( aq ) + SO_ 4^{2-}( aq )$$\\$ On electrolysis, either of$H ^+$ ions or$H _2 O$molecules can get reduced at the cathode. But the reduction potential of $H^ +$ ions is higher than that of $H _2 O$ molecules.

$2 H^+ ( aq ) + 2 e ^-\to H _2( g ) ; E^ o = 0.0 V\\ 2 H _2 O ( aq ) + 2 e ^-\to H _2( g )+ 2 OH ^-( aq ) ; E^ o =-0.83 V$$\\ Hence, at the cathode, H^ + ions are reduced to liberate H_ 2 gas.\\ On the other hand, at the anode, either of SO_ 4 ^{2-}ions or H _2 O molecules can get oxidized.\\ But the oxidation of SO_ 4 ^{2-} involves breaking of more bonds than that of H _2 O molecules.\\ Hence, SO_ 4 ^{2-} ions have a lower oxidation potential than H _2 O. Thus,H _2 O is oxidized at the anode to liberate O _2 molecules.\\ (iv) In aqueous solutions, CuCl _2 ionizes to give Cu ^{2+} and Cl ^– ions as:\\ CuCl _2( aq ) \to Cu ^{2+}(aq ) + 2 Cl^- ( aq )$$\\$ On electrolysis, either of $Cu ^{2+}$ ions or $H _2 O$molecules can get reduced at the cathode. But the reduction potential of $Cu ^{2+}$ is more than that of $H _2 O$molecules. $Cu ^{2+} aq ) + 2 e ^-\to Cu ( aq ) ; E ^o =+ 0.34 V\\ H _2 O ( l ) + 2 e ^-\to H_2( g ) + 2 OH ^- ; E^ o =- 0.83 V$$\\ Hence, Cu ^{2+} ions are reduced at the cathode and get deposited.\\ Similarly, at the anode, either of Cl ^– or H _2 O is oxidized. The oxidation potential of H _2 O is higher than that of Cl^ – .\\ 2 Cl^- ( aq ) \to Cl_ 2( g ) + 2 e ^- ; E^o =- 1.36 V\\ 2 H _2 O ( l ) \to O_2( g ) + 4 H^+ ( aq ) + 4 e ^- ; E^ o =- 1.23 V$$\\$ But oxidation of $H _2 O$ 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 oxidized at the anode to liberate $Cl _2$ gas.

28   Arrange the following metals in the order in which they displace each other from the solution of their salts.$\\$ Al, Cu, Fe, Mg and Zn.

##### Solution :

A metal of stronger reducing power displaces another metal of weaker reducing power from its solution of salt.$\\$ The order of the increasing reducing power of the given metals is Cu < Fe < Zn < Al < Mg.$\\$ Hence, we can say that Mg can displace Al from its salt solution, but Al cannot displace Mg.$\\$ 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$\\$

29   Given the standard electrode potentials,$\\$ $K^ + /K = –2.93V, Ag^ + /Ag = 0.80V,\\ Hg ^{2+} /Hg = 0.79V\\ Mg ^{2+} /Mg = –2.37V. Cr^{ 3+} /Cr = –0.74V$ $\\$ Arrange these metals in their increasing order of reducing power.

##### Solution :

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.

30   Depict the galvanic cell in which the reaction$\\$ $Zn ( s ) + 2 Ag ^+( aq )\to Zn ^{2 +}( aq )+ 2 Ag ( s )$ takes 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.$\\$

##### Solution :

The galvanic cell corresponding to the given redox reaction can be represented as:$\\$ $Zn |Zn^{2+} ( aq ) || Ag ^{+}( aq ) Ag$$\\ (i) Zn electrode is negatively charged because at this electrode, Zn oxidizes to Zn^{ 2+} and the leaving electrons accumulate on this electrode.\\ (ii) Ions are the carriers of current in the cell.\\ (iii)The reaction taking place at Zn electrode can be represented as:\\ Zn ( s ) \to Zn^{2+} ( aq ) + 2 e ^-$$\\$ And the reaction taking place at Ag electrode can be represented as:$\\$ $Ag^+ ( aq ) + e ^- \to Ag ( s )$$\\ (iv) In aqueous solutions, CuCl _2 ionizes to give Cu ^{2+} and Cl ^– ions as:\\ CuCl_ 2( aq ) \to Cu^{2+} ( aq ) +2 Cl ^-( aq )$$\\$ On electrolysis, either of$Cu ^{2+}$ ions or$H _2 O$ $\\$molecules can get reduced at the cathode. But the reduction potential of $Cu ^{2+}$ is more than that of $H_ 2 O$ molecules.

$Cu^{2+} ( aq ) \to 2 e ^-\to Cu ( aq ) ; E ^o =+ 0.34 V$$\\ H _2 O ( l ) + 2 e ^-\to H _2( g ) + 2 OH ^- ; E^ o =- 0.83 V$$\\$ Hence, $Cu^{ 2+}$ ions are reduced at the cathode and get deposited.$\\$ Similarly, at the anode, either of $Cl ^–$ or $H _2 O$ is oxidized. The oxidation potential of $H _2 O$ is higher than that of $Cl ^–$.$\\$ $2 Cl^- ( aq ) \to Cl _2( g ) + 2 e^- ; E^ o =- 1.36 V\\ 2 H_ 2 O ( l ) \to O _2( g ) + 4 H ^+( aq ) + 4 e ^- ; E^ o = - 1.23 V$$\\$ But oxidation of $H _2 O$ 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, $Cl 6–$ions are oxidized at the anode to liberate $Cl_ 2$ gas.