Question

Explain the terms ‘oxidation’ and reduction’ with reference to an atom or ion.

July 30, 2024

Answer

Oxidation — It is the process when an atom or ion loses one or more electrons i.e, X – 1e^– ⟶ X¹⁺

For example,

Na – 1e^– ⟶ Na¹⁺
Zn – 2e^– ⟶ Zn²⁺

Reduction — It is the process when an atom or ion gains one or more electrons i.e, Y + 1e^– ⟶ Y^1-

For example,

S + 2e^– ⟶ S^2-
Cu²⁺ + 2e^– ⟶ Cu
Fe³⁺ + 1e^– ⟶ Fe²⁺

💡 Some Related Questions

A compound has a formula = ‘H2Y’. Y denotes a non-metal. State the following:
1. The electronic configuration of Y.
2. The valency of Y.
3. The bonding present in ‘H2Y’
4. The bonding present in the compound formed between potassium (19K39) and ‘Y’
5. The formula of the compound formed between calcium (20Ca40) and Y.

Electronic configuration of the following elements are given:
1. Sodium — Na = 2, 8, 1
2. Hydrogen — H = 1
3. Carbon — C = 2, 4
4. Chlorine — Cl = 2, 8, 7
5. Lithium — Li = 2,1
State which of the compounds given below:
(a) have high/low boiling points,
(b) are soluble/insoluble in organic solvents.
A : Hydrogen chloride
B : Sodium chloride
C : Sodium hydride
D : Lithium chloride
E : Carbon tetrachloride

Fill in the blanks with the correct word from the brackets:
(i) The bond between two elements in group 17[VIIA] of the periodic table is likely to be [ionic/covalent].
(ii) In the reaction of Cl2 + 2KI ⟶ 2KCl + I2 the conversion of 2I to I2 is deemed as [oxidation/reduction].
(iii) The covalent molecule containing three single covalent bonds is [water/methane/ammonia].
(iv) The molecule of water combines with a [hydrogen atom/proton/hydrogen molecule] to form a hydronium ion.
(v) For formation of an electrovalent bond between elements ‘X’ and ‘Y’ which are a metal and non-metal respectively, X should have a [high/low] ionization potential and ‘Y’ a [high/low] electron affinity.

Complete the table given below:
Element Element Type of bond likely in molecule of Formula of compound
A: At. no. = 20 B: At no. = 8 A and B
A: At no. = 20 C: At no. = 17 A and C
D: At. no. = 9 D: At. no. = 9 D and D
E: At. no. = 12 F: At. no. = 16 E and F
G: At. no. = 1 F: At. no. = 16 G and F

With reference to a molecule of water, fill in the blanks with the correct word. [at. no. of H = 1, O = 8]
Water is a [non-polar/polar] covalent molecule in which the atom of [hydrogen/oxygen] attracts electrons more strongly towards itself. The water molecule shows the presence of [double / one single / two single] covalent bond/s and [one/two] lone pair of electrons present in the [hydrogen/oxygen] atom.

Give reasons for the following:
In the formation of MgO the magnesium atom (at. no. 12) loses two electrons from it’s valence shell.

Give reasons for the following:
A non-metallic atom (at. no. 9) forms a molecule of the same, containing a single covalent bond.

Give reasons for the following:
Iron displaces copper from a solution of a copper salt. The reaction is deemed as a redox reaction.

Give reasons for the following:
MgCl2 is soluble in water but insoluble in acetone, while methane is insoluble in water, but soluble in acetone.

Give reasons for the following:
NH3 gas a covalent compound does not conduct electricity but it’s aq. soln. NH4OH is a weak electrolyte.