Chapter 17, Problem 39AE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason behind no occurrence of sole oxidation in absence of reduction has to be given.

Concept Introduction:

Oxidation refers to phenomenon of loss of electrons; loss of electropositive $\text{H}$ and gain of electronegative $\text{O}$ and substance oxidized is termed as reducing agent.

Reduction is process that involves gain of electrons, gain of $\text{H}$ or loss of electronegative $\text{O}$ atom and substance reduced is termed as oxidizing agent.

A general reduction process that occurs in reduction half-cell is represented as follows:

  ${\text{M}}^{n+}+{\text{e}}^{-}\to \text{Mn}$

A general oxidation process that occurs in oxidation half-cell is represented as follows:

  $\text{M}\to {\text{M}}^{n+}+{\text{e}}^{-}$

Here, $n$ represents the number of electrons gained or lost.