CHAPTER-8

REDOX REACTIONS

oxidation reduction
1. Addition of oxygen 1. Removal of oxygen
2. Removal of hydrogen 2. Addition of hydrogen
3. Addition of an electronegative 3. Removal of an electronegative
element element
4. Removal of an electropositive 4. Addition of an electropositive
element element
5. Loss of electron 5. Gain of electron

Oxidation number denotes theoxidation state of an element in a compound

ascertained according to a setof rules formulated on the basis thatelectron in a
covalent bond belongsentirely to more electronegative element.
Calculation of oxidation number-
1. O. S. of all the elements in their elemental form (in standard state) is taken as
zero O. S. of elements in Cl2, F2, O2, P4, O3, Fe(s), H2, N2, C(graphite) is zero.
2. Common O. S. of elements of group one (1st) is one. Common O. S. of
elements of group two (2nd) is two.
3. For ions composed of only one atom, theoxidation number is equal to the
chargeon the ion.
4. The oxidation number of oxygen in most compounds is –2.While in peroxides
(e.g., H2O2, Na2O2), eachoxygen atom is assigned an oxidationnumber of –1,
in superoxides (e.g., KO2,RbO2) each oxygen atom is assigned anoxidation
number of –(½).
5. In oxygendifluoride (OF2) and dioxygendifluoride (O2F2), the oxygen is
assignedan oxidation number of +2 and +1,respectively.
6. The oxidation number of hydrogen is +1 but in metal hydride its oxidation no.
is–1.
7. In all its compounds, fluorine has anoxidation number of –1.
8. The algebraic sum of the oxidation numberof all the atoms in a compound
must bezero.
9. In polyatomic ion, the algebraic sumof all the oxidation numbers of atoms
ofthe ion must equal the charge on the ion.
Stocknotation:the oxidationnumber is expressed by putting a Romannumeral
representing the oxidation numberin parenthesis after the symbol of the metal
inthe molecular formula. Thus aurous chlorideand auric chloride are written as
Au(I)Cl andAu(III)Cl3. Similarly, stannous chloride andstannic chloride are
written as Sn(II)Cl2andSn(IV)Cl4.

Oxidation: An increase in the oxidationnumber

Reduction: A decrease in the oxidationnumber

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Oxidising agent: A reagent which canincrease the oxidation number of an
elementin a given substance. These reagents are calledas oxidants also.
Reducing agent: A reagent which lowers the oxidation number of an element
in a givensubstance. These reagents are also called asreductants.
Redox reactions: Reactions which involvechange in oxidation number of the
interactingspecies
Balancing of redox reactions:
Oxidation Number Method:
Write the net ionic equation for the reaction of potassium dichromate(VI),
K2Cr2O7 with sodium sulphite,Na2SO3, in an acid solution to give
chromium(III) ion and the sulphate ion.
Step 1: The skeletal ionic equation is:
Cr2O72–(aq) + SO32–(aq) → Cr3+(aq)+ SO42–(aq)
Step 2: Assign oxidation numbers forCr and S
+6 –2 +4 –2 +3 +6 –2
Cr2O72–(aq) + SO32–(aq) → Cr3+(aq)+ SO42–(aq)

Step 3: Calculate the increase anddecrease of oxidation number, and make

them equal:
+6 –2 +4 –2 +3 +6
2–( 2– 3+
Cr2O7 aq) + 3SO3 (aq) → 2Cr (aq)+ 3SO42–(aq)

Step 4: Balance the charge by adding H+as the reaction occurs in theacidic
medium,
Cr2O72–(aq) + 3SO32–(aq) 8H+→ 2Cr3+(aq)+ 3SO42–(aq)

Step 5: Balance the oxygen atom by adding water molecule.

Cr2O72–(aq) + 3SO32–(aq) 8H+→ 2Cr3+(aq)+ 3SO42–(aq)+ 4H2O(l)

Half Reaction Method

balance the equation showing the oxidation of Fe 2+ ions to Fe3+ ions by
dichromate ions (Cr2O7)2– in acidic medium,wherein, Cr2O72– ions are reduced
to Cr3+ ions.
Step 1: Produce unbalanced equation for thereaction in ionic form :
Fe2+(aq) + Cr2O72– (aq) → Fe3+ (aq) + Cr3+(aq)
Step 2: Separate the equation into halfreactions:
+2 +3
Oxidation half : Fe2+ (aq) → Fe3+(aq)
+6 –2 +3
Reduction half :Cr2O72–(aq) → Cr3+(aq)
Step 3: Balance the atoms other than O andH in each half reaction
individually.
Cr2O72– (aq) → Cr3+(aq)

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 Step 4: For reactions occurring in acidicmedium, add H2O to balance O atoms
and H+to balance H atoms.Cr2O72– (aq) +14 H+→ Cr3+(aq) + 7H2O (l)
Step 5: Add electrons to one side of the halfreaction to balance the charges. If
need be,make the number of electrons equal in the twohalf reactions by
multiplying one or both halfreactions by appropriate coefficients.
Fe2+ (aq) → Fe3+ (aq) + e–
Cr2O72– (aq) + 14H+ (aq) + 6e– → 2Cr3+(aq) +7H2O (l)
6Fe2+ (aq) →6 Fe3+ (aq) +6 e–
Step 6: We add the two half reactions toachieve the overall reaction and
cancel theelectrons on each side. This gives the net ionicequation as :
6Fe2+(aq) + Cr2O72– (aq) + 14H+(aq) → 6 Fe3+(aq) +2Cr 3+(aq) + 7H2O(l)
A redox couple is defined as havingtogether the oxidised and reduced forms
of asubstance taking part in an oxidation orreduction half reaction.
Represented as Zn2+/Zn and Cu2+/Cu.
 Electrochemical cells are the devices which are used to get electric current by
using chemical reaction.

The potential associated with eachelectrode is known as electrode potential. Ifthe

concentration of each species taking partin the electrode reaction is unity (if any
gasappears in the electrode reaction, it is confinedto 1 atmospheric pressure) and
further thereaction is carried out at 298K, then thepotential of each electrode is said
to be theStandard Electrode Potential.
SHE is used to measure electrode potential and its standard electrode potential
is taken as 0.00 V.
ONE MARK QUESTIONS
1. Define oxidation and reduction in terms of oxidation number.
Ans Increase in Oxidation Number is Oxidation and decrease in Oxidation
Number is called reduction.
2. What is meant by disproportionation? Give one example.
Ans : In a disproportionation reaction an element simultaneously oxidized and
reduced.
P4 + 3OH- +3H2O→ PH3 +3H2PO2-
3. What is O.N. of sulphur in H2SO4?Ans: +6

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4. Identify the central atom in the following and predict their O.S.
HNO3
Ans: central atom:- N; O.S. +5
5. Out of Zn and Cu which is more reactive?
Ans: Zn.
6. What is galvanization?
Ans: Coating of a less reactive metal with a more reactive metal e.g.- coating
of iron surface with Zn to prevent rusting of iron.
7. How is standard cell potential calculated using standard electrode potential?
Ans: E0cell = E0cathode – E0anode
8. What is O.S. of oxygen in H2O2?
Ans: - -1.
9. The formation of sodium chloride from gaseous sodium and gaseous chloride
is a redox process justify.
Ans: Na atom get oxidize and Cl is reduced.

TWO MARKS QUESTIONS

1. Write the balanced redox reaction .
(I) MnO4–(aq) + Fe2+(aq) → Mn2+(aq)+ Fe3+(aq) [acidic medium]
(II) Cr2O72– + Fe2+ →Cr3+ + Fe3+ [Acidic medium]

Ans:- (i) MnO4–(aq) +5Fe2+(aq) + 8H+(aq) → Mn2+(aq)+ 5Fe3+(aq) + 4H2O(l)

(ii) Cr2O72– +6Fe2+ + 14H+→ 2Cr3+ + 6Fe3+ + 7H2O
2. Identify the strongest & weakest reducing agent from the following metals:
.Zn, Cu, Na, Ag, Sn
Ans: Strongest reducing agent: Na, weakest reducing agent: Ag.
3. Determine the oxidation no. of all the atoms in the following oxidants:KMnO4,
K2Cr2O7 and KClO4
Ans :
In KMnO4 K = +1, Mn = +7, O = -2
In K2Cr2O7K = +1, Cr = +6, O = -2
In KClO4K = +1, Cl = =+7, O = -2
4. Determine the oxidation no. of all the atoms in the following species:Na2O2
and OF2.
Ans: In Na2O2Na = +1, O = -1
InOF2, F = -1, O = +2

5. Is it possible to store :
(i) H2SO4 in Al container?(ii) CuSO4 solution in Zn vessel?
Ans : (i) yes. (ii) No.
6. Calculate the standard e.m.f. of the cell formed by the combination of
Zn/Zn2+⎤⎤ Cu2+/Cu.
Solution- : E0cell = E0cathode – E0anode
=0.34 – (-0.76) = 1.10V.
7. Identify the oxidizing and reducing agents in the following equations:

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 (i) MnO4–(aq) +5Fe2+(aq) + 8H+(aq) → Mn2+(aq)+ 5Fe3+(aq) + 4H2O(l)
(ii) Cr2O72– +6Fe2+ + 14H+→ 2Cr3+ + 6Fe3+ + 7H2O
Ans : (i) O.A. = MnO4– ; R.A.= Fe2+
(ii)O.A.=Cr2O72–; R.A.= Fe2+
8. Predict all the possible oxidation states of Cl in its compounds.
Ans:- 0, -1, +1, +3, +5, +7
9. Formulate possible compounds of „Cl‟ in its O.S.is: 0, -1, +1, +3, +5, +7
Ans: Cl2, HCl, HOCl, HOClO, HOClO2, HOClO3 respectively.
10. List three measures used to prevent rusting of iron.
Ans: (i) galvanization(coating iron by a more reactive metal)
(ii) greasing/oiling
(iii) painting.

THREE MARK QUESTIONS

1. Write short notes on :
(a) Electrochemical series(b) redox reactions (c) oxidizing agents
Ans :(a) Electrochemical series :- arrangement of metals(non-metals also)
in increasing order of their reducing power or vice versa.
(b) Reactions in which both Oxidation and reduction take place simultaneously
are REDOX REACTIONS.
(c)oxidizing agents : chemical specie which can oxidize the other one or can
reduce itself.
2. Calculate O. S. of sulphur in the following oxoacids of „S‟ :
H2SO4 ,H2SO3H2S2O8and H2S2O7
Ans : +6, +4, +6 and +6 respectively.
(calculate by considering x of ‟S‟ and taking +1 of H, -2 0f “O” and -1 of
“O” in peroxide bond.)
3. Explain role of salt bridge in Daniell cell.
Ans : (a) it completes the electric circuit in the cell.
(b) it maintains the electric neutrality in the cell.

4. Account for the followings :

(i) sulphur exhibits variable oxidation states.
Ans. Due to the presence of vacant „d‟ orbitals in „S‟
(ii) Fluorine exhibits only -1 O.S.
Ans . It is most electronegative element
(iii) oxygen can‟t extend its valency from 2.
Ans. Small size/unavailabilityof vacant „d‟ orbitals in O
5. Balance the equation MnO4– + I-→ Mn2+ +I2 + H2Oby ion electron
method in acidic medium.
Ans :Step-I Balancing of reduction half reaction by adding protons and
electrons on LHS and more water molecules on RHS:
8H++ MnO4– +5e-→ Mn2+ + 4H2O

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 Step-II Balancing of oxidation half reaction by adding electrons on RHS:
2I-→ I2 +2e-
Step-III To multiply the OHR by 5; RHR by2 andto add OH & RH reactions to
get overall redox reaction(cancellation of electrons of RH & OH r eactions):
[8H+(aq)+ MnO4–(aq) +5e-→ Mn2+(aq) + 4H2O(l)] x 2

[ 2I-→ I2 +2e-] x 5

MnO4–(aq) +5Fe2+(aq) + 8H+(aq) → Mn2+(aq)+ 5Fe3+(aq) + 4H2O(l)

6. complete and balance the following equations:

(i) H+ + Cr2O72-+ Br-→ 2Cr3+ + Br2+ -----

(ii) H2O2 + Cl-→ OH- + Cl2

(iii) Zn + Cu2+ → ?

Ans :(i) 14H+ + Cr2O72-+6 Br-→ 2Cr3+ + 3Br2 + 7H2O

(ii) H2O2 + 2Cl-→ 2OH- + Cl2

(ii) Zn + Cu2+ → Zn2+ + Cu

7. Identify the oxidizing and reducing agents in the following equations:
(i) Fe + H2SO4→FeSO4 + H2
(ii)H2 + Cl2 →2HCl
(iii) MnO2 + 4HCl→MnCl2 + 2H2O + Cl2
Ans :(i) O.A. =H2SO4 ; R.A.= Fe
(ii) O.A. = Cl2; R.A.=H2
(iii)O.A. = MnO2; R.A. =HCl
8. . Arrange the following in increasing order of their reducing power:

Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, Fe, Al, Na, Mg, Pt(SHE), Hg, Ca, K

Ans : Au, Hg, Ag, Cu, Pt(SHE), Fe, Zn, Al, Mg, Na, Ca, K

9.
Indicate O.S. of each atom present in given structure of peroxodisulphuric
acid
O O
+
+ S
S
O O OH
HO
OH
HO

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Ans: -2 -2 +6

O O
+
+ S
S
O O OH
HO
OH
+1 HO -2

-1

10.What is SHE? What is its use?

Ans :Standard Hydrogen Electrode (SHE) has beenselected to have zero standard
potential at alltemperatures. It consists of a platinum foilcoated with platinum black
(finely dividedplatinum) dipping partially into an aqueous solution in which the
activity (approximateconcentration 1M) of hydrogen ion is unity andhydrogen gas is
bubbled through the solutionat 1 bar pressure.The potential of the other half cell is
measuredby constructing a cell in which reference electrode is standard hydrogen
electrode. The potential of the other half cell is equal to thepotential of the cell.

Fig: SHE

HOTS QUESTIONS
1. Is rusting of iron an electrochemical phenomenon? How ?explain.

Ans : Yes. Rusting of iron is an electrochemical phenomenon because this is

possible due to formation of a small electrochemical cell over rough surface of
iron and the following redox reaction takes place there in that cell-

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 Oxidation Fe(s) → Fe2+(aq) + 2e-
Reduction O2+ 4H+ 4e- → 2H2O
e- + ½ O2 + 2H2O +2Fe2+→Fe2O3 + 4H+

2. We expand croreof Rupees and even thousands of lives every year due to
corrosion. How can be preventing it. Explain.

Ans : (i) By Galvanization: Coating of a less reactive metal with a more reactive
metal e.g.- coating of iron surface with Zn to prevent rusting of iron.
(ii) By greasing /oiling (to keep away the object from the contact of air &
moisture.)
(iii)By painting (to keep away the object from the contact of air &
moisture.)

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