Textbook Question
Calculate the oxidation number for the indicated carbons.
(a)
13. Alcohols and Carbonyl Compounds
Oxidizing and Reducing Agents
5:25 minutesProblem 5c
Textbook Question
Use oxidation numbers to determine which of the following are redox reactions.
(c) 
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the oxidation numbers of each element in the reactants and products. For example, in a compound like H2O, hydrogen typically has an oxidation number of +1 and oxygen -2.
Compare the oxidation numbers of each element in the reactants and products. A change in oxidation number indicates that a redox reaction has occurred.
Determine which element is oxidized and which is reduced. Oxidation involves an increase in oxidation number, while reduction involves a decrease.
Identify the oxidizing and reducing agents. The substance that is reduced is the oxidizing agent, and the substance that is oxidized is the reducing agent.
Conclude whether the reaction is a redox reaction based on the changes in oxidation numbers. If there is no change in oxidation numbers for any element, the reaction is not a redox reaction.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Oxidation Numbers
Oxidation numbers are a tool used in chemistry to keep track of electron transfer in chemical reactions. They are assigned to atoms based on a set of rules, reflecting the hypothetical charge an atom would have if all bonds were ionic. Understanding oxidation numbers is crucial for identifying changes in electron distribution, which is essential for determining redox reactions.
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Redox Reactions
Redox reactions, short for reduction-oxidation reactions, involve the transfer of electrons between two species. In these reactions, one substance is oxidized (loses electrons) and another is reduced (gains electrons). Identifying redox reactions requires analyzing changes in oxidation numbers, as these indicate electron transfer between reactants.
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Identifying Redox Reactions
To identify redox reactions, compare the oxidation numbers of elements in the reactants and products. A change in oxidation numbers indicates a redox process, where one element's oxidation number increases (oxidation) and another's decreases (reduction). This analysis helps determine if electron transfer has occurred, confirming the presence of a redox reaction.
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