Chapter 21, Problem 21.5P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The step taken while balancing redox reactions to ensure the electron lost and gained has to be identified.

Concept Introduction:

Oxidation: If electrons are moved from a species during a chemical reaction. The species whose electrons are removed is said to be oxidized.

Reduction: If electrons are gained to a species during a chemical reaction. The species which gets electrons are said to be reduced.

Redox reaction: It occurs when oxidation and reduction takes place at the same time in a chemical reaction.

According to the law of conservation of mass, mass (atoms) is neither created nor destroyed during a reaction. This implies that the number of atoms in the reactant side should be equal to the number of atoms in the product side. Therefore, it is necessary to represent the equation in a balanced form, such that the number of atoms on both sides of the reaction is equal.