Chapter 19, Problem 38A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The relation of oxidation number to the number of electrons lost or gained in oxidation and reduction process is to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Oxidation number is the total number of electrons that an atom either gains or losses in order to form a chemical bond with another atom.

Answer to Problem 38A

Change in oxidation number of the atom in oxidation reaction=number of electrons lost

Change in oxidation number of the atom in reduction reaction=number of electrons gained

Explanation of Solution

Oxidation is the process of loss of electrons and reduction is a process of gain of electron.

When a species undergoes oxidation or reduction, its oxidation number is changed.

As, oxidation number is the total number of electrons that an atom either gains or losses in order to form a chemical bond with another atom.

Therefore,

Change in oxidation number of the atom in oxidation reaction=number of electrons lost

Change in oxidation number of the atom in reduction reaction=number of electrons gained

Conclusion

The change in oxidation number of the atom in oxidation reaction is equal to the number of electrons lost during oxidation and the change in oxidation number of the atom in reduction reaction is equal to number of electrons gained during reduction process.