Chapter 20, Problem 38A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The oxidizing agent which convert the $\text{Au}{|\text{Au}}^{\text{+3}}$ but not the ${\text{Co}}^{\text{+3}}{|\text{Co}}^{\text{+2}}$ is to be explained.

Concept introduction:

The standard reduction potential is a potential in volts generated by a reduction half cell reaction which is compared to the standard hydrogen electrode under the standard conditions. That electrode where reduction potential is greater there reduction is occurs.

Answer to Problem 38A

${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}|{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}\text{and}{\text{MnO}}_{\text{2}}{\text{, H}}^{\text{+}}|{\text{Mn}}^{\text{+2}}$ are two oxidizing agent which reduce the $\text{Au}{|\text{Au}}^{\text{+3}}$ ion but not reduce the ${\text{Co}}^{\text{+3}}{|\text{Co}}^{\text{+2}}$ ion.

Explanation of Solution

The reduction potential of $\text{Au}{|\text{Au}}^{\text{+3}}$ is lower as compared to ${\text{Co}}^{\text{+3}}{|\text{Co}}^{\text{+2}}$. So, gold ion is easily reduced as compared to cobalt ion.

Conclusion

${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}|{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}\text{and}{\text{MnO}}_{\text{2}}{\text{, H}}^{\text{+}}|{\text{Mn}}^{\text{+2}}$ are two oxidizing agent which reduce the $\text{Au}{|\text{Au}}^{\text{+3}}$ ion but not reduce the ${\text{Co}}^{\text{+3}}{|\text{Co}}^{\text{+2}}$ ion.