Chapter 18, Problem 5A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Oxidation state needs to be defined.

Concept introduction: Oxidizing agent gains one or more electrons from another reactant. Due to this reason oxidizing agent gets reduced.

Answer to Problem 5A

The number of electrons lost or gained by an atom of element is equal to its oxidation state. This method confirms electron transfer that occurs in an atom.

Explanation of Solution

Oxidation state represents the number of electrons gained or lost by that atom. For example oxidation state of sodium in sodium chloride is +1 and chlorine is -1.

This method is useful because it verifies the electron transfer which occurs.

Conclusion

Change in oxidation state determines whether electron is lost or gained by an element in the oxidation-reduction reaction.