Chapter 3.5, Problem 3.11PSP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The oxidation number for given atoms in the equation has to be assigned, and the element that acts as oxidizing, reducing agent in the given reaction has to be identified.

Concept introduction:

Oxidation number:

The oxidation number of an element is zero. The oxidation number of a monoatomic ion equals its charge.

The oxidation number is zero for the summation of the oxidation numbers complete atoms in a complete formula.

The charge on the ion is equal to the summation of the oxidation numbers of complete atoms in poly atomic ion.

The oxidation state of alkali metal $(\text{Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs})$ is $+1$, and alkaline earth metal is $\text{(Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba)}$ is $+2$.

The oxidation state of hydrogen is $+1$ (without bonding with metals), the oxidation state of oxygen is $-2$.

An oxidizing agent gains the electrons and is reduced in a chemical reaction and it is electron acceptor.

A reducing agent loses electrons and is oxidized in a chemical reaction and it is electron donor.

The oxidation state is called as oxidation number, which describes degree of oxidation (loss of electrons) of an atom in a chemical compound. Theoretically, the oxidation state is positive, negative or zero.