chemical reactions electrons are transferred from one substance to another, but
ID: 1061135 • Letter: C
Question
chemical reactions electrons are transferred from one substance to another, but there is no net gain or loss of electrons during the reaction. They involve the oxidation of one substance, losing electron(s), and the reduction of another, gaining electron(s), and are called "redox" reactions. In neutral atoms, such as A and X, the number of protons equals the number of electrons. When atom A loses an electron, the positive charge of the nucleus is now greater than the negative charge of the electrons and the resulting ion has a net positive charge, forming a cation. In a reaction, the electron must be taken up by another atom, X, which results in more electrons than protons and a net negative charge on the atom, forming an anion. Mnemonic devices can help to remember the definitions of oxidation and reduction: LEO (Losing Electrons -Oxidation) says GER (Gaining Electrons - Reduction) or OIL (Oxidation Is Losing) RIG (Reduction Is Gaining). Identify the equations that show the oxidation of neutral atom A and the reduction of neutral atom X.Explanation / Answer
As per the above definitions, oxidation means a loss of electrons from a sample while reduction means the gain of electrons in a sample.
As per this analogy,
Oxidation of A would mean loss of an electron from A
This is implied by the reaction:
A ----> A+ + e- , which is the second option in the left column
Reduction of X would mean addition of an electron to X
This is implied by:
X + e- ----> X- , which is the third option in the right column.
Please leave a positive rating in case I was helpful. If not, leave your doubt in the comments. I'll get back to you ASAP :)
Related Questions
Navigate
Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.