Chapter 14, Problem 39E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The rusted piece of iron is to be identified and the reason is to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Oxidation is the addition of an electronegative element or the removal of an electropositive element in a chemical reaction.

Reduction is the addition of an electropositive element or the removal of an electronegative element in a chemical reaction.

A chemical reaction in which oxidation process and reduction process take place simultaneously is called a redox reaction.

An oxidizing agent is a substance that has the capacity to oxidize the other substances and get reduced in a chemical reaction.

A reducing agent is a substance that has the capacity to reduce the other substances and get oxidized in a chemical reaction.

Non-metals are a better oxidizing agent than metals. They have the capacity to gain electrons and form negative ions. They have the capacity to oxidize the other substances and get reduced.

Metals are a better reducing agent. They have a tendency to lose electrons and form positive ions. They have the capacity to reduce the other substances and get oxidized.