Chapter 20, Problem 10STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Whether the given diagram represents oxidation or reduction and whether the oxidation number increases or decreases when the ion forms are to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

Ionization is the process where atoms or molecules produce ions either by gaining or losing an electron.

Answer to Problem 10STP

The diagram represents the process of oxidation and there is an increase in oxidation number.

Explanation of Solution

The given diagram is:

  

Atoms consist of electrons which are negatively charged, protons - positively charged and neutrons have a neutral charge. Protons and neutrons are held at the center of the atom called the nucleus. Electrons revolve around the nucleus in an orbital path.

The diagram represents oxidation because the atom is losing electrons to form ions. The size of the atom decreases because electrons revolve around the nucleus of the atom, and if one electron is lost the radius of the atom decreases to form an ion.