Use oxidation numbers to determine whether the following are redox reactions.
(b)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the elements involved in the reaction and write down the chemical equation if provided.
2. Assign oxidation numbers to each atom in the reactants and products. Remember that oxidation numbers are a way of keeping track of electrons in atoms. For example, in a compound, the oxidation number of oxygen is typically -2, and hydrogen is +1.
3. Compare the oxidation numbers of each element in the reactants and products. Look for any changes in oxidation numbers, which indicate a transfer of electrons.
4. Determine if there is an increase in oxidation number for any element, which signifies oxidation, and a decrease in oxidation number for another element, which signifies reduction.
5. Conclude whether the reaction is a redox reaction based on the changes in oxidation numbers. If there is both oxidation and reduction occurring, it is a redox reaction.

Key Concepts

Oxidation Numbers

Oxidation numbers are assigned to atoms in a molecule to indicate their degree of oxidation or reduction. They help track electron transfer in redox reactions. The rules for assigning oxidation numbers include assigning a value of zero to pure elements, using known oxidation states for common ions, and ensuring the sum of oxidation numbers equals the charge of the molecule or ion.

Redox Reactions

Redox reactions, or oxidation-reduction reactions, involve the transfer of electrons between two species. One species undergoes oxidation (loses electrons) while the other undergoes reduction (gains electrons). Identifying changes in oxidation numbers helps determine if a reaction is a redox process, as these changes indicate electron transfer.

Identifying Redox Reactions

To identify redox reactions using oxidation numbers, compare the oxidation numbers of each element in the reactants and products. A change in oxidation number for any element indicates a redox reaction. The element whose oxidation number increases is oxidized, and the one whose oxidation number decreases is reduced.