Chapter 7, Problem 1Q

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The terms oxidation and reduction process have to be defined.

Concept Introduction:

Oxidation: The gain of oxygen or the loss of hydrogen or the loss of an electron in a species during a redox reaction is called oxidation.

Reduction: The loss of oxygen or the gain of hydrogen or gain of an electron in a species during a redox reaction is called reduction.

The standard cell potential value for a reaction is calculated as follows:

${\text{E}}_{\text{cell}}^{\text{0}}\text{=}{\text{E}}_{\text{cathode}}^{\text{0}}\text{-}{\text{E}}_{\text{anode}}^{\text{0}}$

Rules for assigning oxidation number

• • The oxidation number of the atom of an uncombined element is zero.
• • The sum of the oxidation numbers of all atoms in a compound must equal to the total charge on the species.
• • Hydrogen has an oxidation number of +1 unless it is combined with metals, in which case it has an oxidation number of -1.
• • Oxygen has an oxidation number of -2, except in peroxides where it is -1 and in $O{F}_2$ where it is +2.