Chapter 20, Problem 36A

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Whether the given chemical species $C{l}_2$ is an oxidizing or reducing agent is to be identified.

Concept Introduction: The reagents that are found to accept electrons are said to be oxidizing agents and they are performing the reduction process. While the reagents that are found to lose electrons are said to be reducing agents and they are performing the oxidation process.

Answer to Problem 36A

The given chemical species, $C{l}_2$ is an oxidizing agent.

Explanation of Solution

The given chemical species, $C{l}_2$ is most likely to undergo reduction by the gaining of electrons.

  $C{l}_2+2e^{-}\to 2C{l}^{-}$

So, $C{l}_2$ is an oxidizing agent.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Whether the given chemical species $K$ is an oxidizing or reducing agent is to be identified.

Concept Introduction: The reagents that are found to accept electrons are said to be oxidizing agents and they are performing the reduction process. While the reagents that are found to lose electrons are said to be reducing agents and they are performing the oxidation process.

Answer to Problem 36A

The given chemical species, $K$ is a reducing agent.

Explanation of Solution

The given chemical species potassium, K is most likely to undergo oxidation by the loss of one electron present on its outermost shell. That is,

  $K\to K^{+}+1e^{-}$

So, $K$ is a reducing agent.

(c)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To interpret whether the given chemical species $A{g}^{+}$ is an oxidizing or reducing agent.

Concept Introduction: The reagents that are found to accept electrons are said to be oxidizing agents and they are performing the reduction process. While the reagents that are found to lose electrons are said to be reducing agents and they are performing the oxidation process.

Answer to Problem 36A

The given chemical species, $A{g}^{+}$ is an oxidizing agent.

Explanation of Solution

The given chemical species, $A{g}^{+}$ is most likely to undergo reduction by the gaining of one electron thereby forming Ag.

  $A{g}^{+}+2e^{-}\to Ag$

So, $A{g}^{+}$ is an oxidizing agent.

(d)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Whether the given chemical species $Z{n}^{2+}$ is an oxidizing or reducing agent is to be identified.

Concept Introduction: The reagents that are found to accept electrons are said to be oxidizing agents and they are performing the reduction process. While the reagents that are found to lose electrons are said to be reducing agents and they are performing the oxidation process.

Answer to Problem 36A

The given chemical species, $Z{n}^{2+}$ is an oxidizing agent.

Explanation of Solution

The given chemical species, $Z{n}^{2+}$ is most likely to undergo reduction by the gaining of two electrons and thereby forming Zn.

  $Z{n}^{2+}+2e^{-}\to Zn$

So, $Z{n}^{2+}$ is an oxidizing agent.