Chapter 4, Problem 4.79P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The following reaction is redox or not is to be determined.

${\text{NH}}_3\left(aq\right)+\text{HCl}\left(aq\right)\to {\text{NH}}_4\text{Cl}\left(aq\right)$

Concept introduction:

A redox reaction is a type of reaction that involves the change in oxidation number of a molecule, atom or ion changes due to the transfer of an electron from one species to another.

Oxidation of a species involves the loss of electrons by that species and reduction of a species involves the gain of electrons by that species.

Oxidation number is defined as the formal charge an atom would gain if all the bonds attached to it in a compound are heterolytically cleaved. Oxidation number can be a positive or negative number but cannot be fractional.