Multiple Choice
A molecule becomes more oxidized when it:
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6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions
Redox Reactions
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
In the reaction 3 Na(s) + AlCl_3(aq) → 3 NaCl(aq) + Al(s), which substance is reduced?
A
NaCl(aq)
B
AlCl_3(aq)
C
Al(s)
D
Na(s)
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the oxidation states of the elements in the reactants and products to determine which species undergoes reduction.
For sodium (Na) in its elemental form (Na(s)), the oxidation state is 0 because it is in its pure elemental state.
In aluminum chloride (AlCl_3), aluminum (Al) typically has an oxidation state of +3, and chlorine (Cl) has an oxidation state of -1.
In the products, sodium chloride (NaCl) has sodium in the +1 oxidation state and chlorine in the -1 oxidation state, while aluminum (Al) in its elemental form (Al(s)) has an oxidation state of 0.
Reduction is the gain of electrons, which corresponds to a decrease in oxidation state. Compare the oxidation states of aluminum in AlCl_3 (+3) and Al(s) (0) to identify that aluminum is reduced.
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