Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes oxidation in terms of electron transfer?

Accepted Answer

Oxidation is the loss of electrons by an atom or ion.

Question 2

In the reaction $$\mathrm{Zn(s) + 2H^+(aq) \rightarrow Zn$$^{2+}$$(aq) + H_2$(g)}$$, which species is the reducing agent?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{Zn}$$

Question 3

Assign the oxidation state of oxygen in $$\mathrm{H_2O_2} ($$hydrogen peroxide).

Accepted Answer

$$-1$$

Question 4

Which of the following metals will NOT dissolve in hydrochloric acid ($$\mathrm{HCl}) $$under normal conditions, based on the activity series?

Accepted Answer

Gold

Question 5

Which of the following is true about the anode in a voltaic cell?

Accepted Answer

It is where oxidation occurs and is labeled (−).

Question 6

Consider the reaction: $$\mathrm{2Fe(s) + O_2$(g) + 2H_2O(l) \rightarrow 2Fe(OH)_2(s)}. $$Which element is reduced?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why aluminum does not corrode as rapidly as iron, even though it is higher on the activity series?

Accepted Answer

Aluminum forms a protective oxide layer that prevents further oxidation.

Question 8

Which of the following is the correct balanced half-reaction for the reduction of $$\mathrm{Cu$$^{2+}$$} to$$ $$\mathrm{Cu}$$?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{Cu$$^{2+}$$(aq) + 2e^- \rightarrow Cu(s)}$$

Question 9

A fuel cell breathalyzer uses the oxidation of ethyl alcohol at the anode. Which product is formed at the anode?

Accepted Answer

Acetic acid ($$\mathrm{CH_3COOH})$$

Question 10

Which of the following statements about electrolysis is correct?

Accepted Answer

Electrolysis uses electrical current to drive a nonspontaneous redox reaction.

Question 11

Which of the following is the correct order of steps for balancing a redox reaction in acidic solution using the half-reaction method?

Accepted Answer

Assign oxidation states, balance O with $$\mathrm{H_2O}$$, balance H with $$\mathrm{H^+}$$, balance charge with electrons, combine half-reactions.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of a sacrificial anode in corrosion prevention?

Accepted Answer

It is a more active metal that oxidizes in place of the protected metal.

Question 13

Which of the following reactions is spontaneous according to the activity series?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{Mg(s) + Cu$$^{2+}$$(aq) \rightarrow Mg$$^{2+}$$(aq) + Cu(s)}$$

Question 14

In the lead-acid storage battery, what is the overall cell reaction during discharge?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{Pb(s) + $$PbO_2$$(s) + 2H_2SO_4(aq) \rightarrow 2PbSO_4(s) + 2H_2O(l)}$$

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why a dead battery cannot produce electrical current?

Accepted Answer

The products have accumulated and the reactants are depleted.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct statement about the relationship between photosynthesis and respiration?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis reduces carbon, while respiration oxidizes carbon.

Question 17

Which of the following is the correct oxidation state for sulfur in $$\mathrm{SO_3$^{2-}}$$?

Accepted Answer

$$+4$$

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of the salt bridge in a voltaic cell?

Accepted Answer

It allows ions to flow between the two half-cells, maintaining charge balance.

Chapter 16: Oxidation and Reduction – Study Notes for Introductory Chemistry

Study Guide - Practice Questions