Chapter 20, Problem 83A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Five real-world examples of oxidation-reduction reactions are to be provided.

Concept introduction: The reaction that involves the loss of electrons is oxidation and the one which involves the gain of electrons is reduction.

Answer to Problem 83A

Photosynthesis, respiration, rusting of iron, browning of fruit, and combustion are 5 examples of redox reactions.

Explanation of Solution

There are many examples of redox reactions in the real life. Some of the examples are,

1. In the photosynthesis process.

  $6{\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}+6{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}\to {\text{C}}_{\text{6}}{\text{H}}_{\text{12}}{\text{O}}_{\text{6}}+6{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}$

2. Rusting of Fe

  $4\text{Fe}+{\text{3O}}_{\text{2}}+6{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}\to 4\text{Fe}{\left(\text{OH}\right)}_3$

3. Combustion

  ${\text{CH}}_4+2{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}\to {\text{CO}}_2+2{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}$

4. Decomposition reaction

  ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{CO}}_{\text{3}}\left(aq\right)\to {\text{CO}}_2\left(g\right)+{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}\left(l\right)$

5. Cellular respiration.

  ${\text{C}}_{\text{6}}{\text{H}}_{\text{12}}{\text{O}}_{\text{6}}+6{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}\to 6{\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}+6{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}$