Chapter 18, Problem 23A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The reason of equal number of electrons lost in the oxidation and number of electrons gained in the reduction needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction: A Redox reaction leads to oxidation and reduction processes simultaneously. Oxidation and reduction reactions are the processes involved in loss or gain of electron. Oxidation is the process that is involved in the loss of electrons and oxidized to cation whereas reduction is the process that is involved in the gain of electrons and reduced to anion.

Answer to Problem 23A

Yes, equal numbers of electrons are involved in gain and loss during oxidation and reduction so there is no possibility to have “leftover” electrons in a reaction.

Explanation of Solution

A Redox reaction is the combination of oxidation and reduction reaction. Since oxidation is loss of electrons whereas reduction is gain of electrons, therefore it must include same number of electrons in gain and loss process.

If it will not equal and some electrons will remain as left over during reaction, it will not a stable condition that makes the unstable reaction. Therefore, no extra electron should be left after oxidation and reduction process in Redox reaction.

Conclusion

Yes, equal numbers of electrons are involve in gain and loss during oxidation and reduction so there is no possibility to have “leftover” electrons in a reaction.