Determine whether the following reactions are redox reactions. If they are, identify whether the molecule has been oxidized or reduced.
(a)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of redox reactions: Redox reactions involve the transfer of electrons between two species. Oxidation is the loss of electrons, while reduction is the gain of electrons.
2. Identify the oxidation states of the atoms involved in the reaction: Assign oxidation numbers to each atom in the reactants and products. This will help determine if there is a change in oxidation state.
3. Compare the oxidation states: Look for changes in the oxidation states of the atoms from reactants to products. A change indicates a redox reaction.
4. Determine oxidation and reduction: If an atom's oxidation state increases, it has been oxidized. If an atom's oxidation state decreases, it has been reduced.
5. Conclude whether the reaction is a redox reaction: If there is a change in oxidation states, the reaction is a redox reaction. Identify which species are oxidized and reduced based on the changes in oxidation states.

Key Concepts

Redox Reactions

Redox reactions, or oxidation-reduction reactions, involve the transfer of electrons between two species. An oxidation process involves the loss of electrons, while reduction involves the gain of electrons. Identifying redox reactions requires analyzing changes in oxidation states of the reactants and products.

Oxidation States

The oxidation state, or oxidation number, is a theoretical charge assigned to an atom in a molecule or ion, reflecting its electron control relative to a neutral atom. It helps track electron transfer in redox reactions. Changes in oxidation states indicate whether an atom has been oxidized (increase in oxidation state) or reduced (decrease in oxidation state).

Identifying Oxidation and Reduction

To determine if a molecule is oxidized or reduced, compare the oxidation states of its atoms before and after the reaction. If an atom's oxidation state increases, it is oxidized, meaning it loses electrons. Conversely, if an atom's oxidation state decreases, it is reduced, indicating a gain of electrons. This analysis is crucial for identifying redox processes.