Textbook Question
By using the data in Appendix E, determine whether each of the following substances is likely to serve as an oxidant or a reductant: (a) Cl2(g), (b) MnO4- (aq, acidic solution), (c) Ba(s)
Ch.20 - Electrochemistry
Chapter 20, Problem 46
Is each of the following substances likely to serve as an oxidant or a reductant: (a) Ce3+(aq) (b) Ca(s) (c) ClO3-(aq) (d) N2O5(g)?
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the oxidation states of nitrogen in \( \text{N}_2\text{O}_5 \).
Determine if the nitrogen in \( \text{N}_2\text{O}_5 \) can be reduced or oxidized by comparing its oxidation state to other common oxidation states of nitrogen.
Recall that an oxidant (oxidizing agent) is a substance that gains electrons and is reduced, while a reductant (reducing agent) is a substance that loses electrons and is oxidized.
Consider the structure of \( \text{N}_2\text{O}_5 \) and its ability to accept or donate electrons based on the oxidation states of nitrogen.
Conclude whether \( \text{N}_2\text{O}_5 \) is more likely to act as an oxidant or a reductant based on its potential to gain or lose electrons.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Oxidation and Reduction
Oxidation and reduction are chemical processes that involve the transfer of electrons between substances. Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons, while reduction involves the gain of electrons. In a redox reaction, one substance is oxidized and another is reduced, which is essential for understanding the roles of oxidants and reductants.
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Oxidation and Reduction Reactions
Oxidizing Agents
An oxidizing agent, or oxidant, is a substance that facilitates oxidation by accepting electrons from another species. This process results in the oxidizing agent being reduced. Common examples include oxygen, halogens, and certain metal ions, which can help identify whether a substance like N2O5 can act as an oxidant.
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Reducing Agents
A reducing agent, or reductant, is a substance that donates electrons to another species, causing that species to be reduced while itself being oxidized. Reducing agents are often metals or compounds that can easily lose electrons. Understanding the properties of a substance like N2O5 helps determine if it can act as a reductant in a chemical reaction.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
By using the data in Appendix E, determine whether each of the following substances is likely to serve as an oxidant or a reductant: (d) Zn(s)
Textbook Question
(a) Assuming standard conditions, arrange the following in order of increasing strength as oxidizing agents in acidic solution: Cr2O72-, H2O2, Cu2+, Cl2, O2.
Textbook Question
(b) Arrange the following in order of increasing strength as reducing agents in acidic solution: Zn, I-, Sn2+, H2O2, Al.