Chapter 3

Oxidation And Reduction

❖3.1 Oxidation Number
❖3.2 Concepts of Oxidation and Reduction
❖3.3 Oxidation Reduction Reaction (Redox Reaction)
❖3.4 Oxidizing agent and Reducing agent
❖3.5 Balancing Oxidation Reduction Equations
❖ Exercises
❖ Chapter Review
 Oxidation and reduction reaction are important
because they are the principle sources of energy of chemistry
and physico-biochemical entities, naturally or artificially.
Thousands of different reactions in industries and home undergo Rusting

these reactions. The varieties of oxidation-reduction reactions

that affect us every day are amazing . Rusting of iron is one
Electroplating
familiar example of oxidation-reduction reactions. Painting iron
railings and galvansing nails to combat corrosion, electroplating
Combustion
jewellery with very thin coatings of gold or silver, bleaching
clothes and developing photograph in solutions using chemical
reactions are indeed oxidation-reduction reactions.
Rancidification

Changing colour
3.1 OXIDATION NUMBER
Oxidation number
The oxidation number or oxidation state of an atom can be zero, positive or negative.
❑ An oxidation number of zero means the atom has the same number of electrons assigned to it as there are in the
free neutral atom.
❑ All elements in their free state (uncombined with other elements) have an oxidation number of zero. (e.g. Na,
Mg, H2, O2, Cl2)
❑ A positive oxidation number means the atom has fewer electrons assigned to it than in the neutral atom. E.g.
Na (2.8.1) → Na+ (2.8)
❑ A negative oxidation number means the atom has more electrons assigned to it than in the neutral atom. E.g. Cl
(2.8.7) → Cl- (2.8.8)
❑ The oxidation number of an atom that has lost or gain electrons to form an ion is the same as the positive or
negative charge of the ion.
oxidation number of Na + = +1
oxidation number of Cl - = -1
Rules for Assigning Oxidation Number
(1) All element regardless of whether they are monoatomic, diatomic, triatomic have an oxidation number of
zero.(e.g., Cu, He, H2, O2, I2, F2, O3 )
(2) The algebraic sum of the oxidation numbers the atoms in a neutral molecule is zero. (e.g., KMnO 4, NaCl)
(3) The algebraic sum of the oxidation numbers the atoms in a polyatomic ions is equal to a charge on the ion. (e.g.,
MnO4- , NH4+ )
(4) Oxidation number of H is +1, except in the metal hydrides, where it is -1(e.g., NaH, LiH, CaH2 )
(5) Oxidation number of O is -2, except in peroxide (e.g., H2O2, BaO2, Na2O2 ) where it is -1, and in OF2 , where it is
+2.
(6) The metallic elements in an ionic compound has a positive oxidation number. Alkali metals in combined state
have an oxidation number +1. Alkaline earth metals in combined state have an oxidation number +2.
(7) Oxidation number of halogen in compounds (e.g., BaCl 2 , NaBr , KI) is -1. In interhalogen compound (e.g., BrF5,
IF7, ClF3 )and other compounds(e.g., KClO3 = potassium chlorate , NaOCl = sodium hypo chloride ) the oxidation
number of halogen is positive.
(8) In covalent compounds, the negative oxidation number is assigned to the more electronegative atom.
Three steps to find the ox.no of an element within a compound or ion
Step 1. Write the ox.no of each known atom below the correct position of an atom in the formula.
Step 2. Multiply each oxidation number by the number of atoms of the element in the compound.
Step 3. Write an expression indicating the sum of all the oxidation numbers in the compound or ion. (The sum
of the oxidation numbers in a compound must equal zero. The sum of the oxidation numbers in an ion must
equal to the charge on that ion.)
Example 1. Determine the oxidation number of Sulphur in sulphuric acid.
H2SO4
2(H) (S) 4 (O)
Step 1. (+1) (S) (-2)
Step2. 2(+1) (S) 4 (-2)
Step3. +2 +(S) + (-8) = 0
S= +6
Oxidation number of Sulphur = +6
Example 2. Determine the oxidation number of manganese in the permanganate ion, MnO4-.
MnO4-
( Mn ) 4( O)
(Mn) (-2)
(Mn) 4 (-2)
(Mn) + (-8) = -1
Mn = +7
Oxidation number of Mn = +7
➢ The oxidation number or oxidation state of an atom represent the number of electrons lost or
gained by an atom. Oxidation number can be zero, positive or negative.
➢ A positive oxidation number indicates the number of electrons removed from a neutral atom.
➢ A negative oxidation number indicates the number of electrons added to a neutral atom..
3.2 Concepts of Oxidation and Reduction
Oxidation and reduction involve the transfer of oxygen atoms or hydrogen atoms, or electrons, or change in
oxidation numbers.
(a) Oxidation and Reduction in Terms of Oxygen
When a substance gains oxygen in a chemical reaction, it is oxidized. This reaction is called oxidation.
For example. In a reaction that occurs when lightning, N has been oxidized to nitrogen oxide because it
gain oxygen.
nitrogen + oxygen → nitrogen oxide
N2 + O2 → 2NO
When a substance loses oxygen in a chemical reaction , it is reduced. This reaction is called reduction.
For example. When copper (II) oxide reacts with coke at high temperature, copper (II) oxide has
been reduced to copper because it loses oxygen.
Copper (II) oxide + carbon → copper + carbondioxide
2 CuO (s) + C (s) → 2Cu (s) + CO2
(b)Oxidation Reduction in Terms of Hydrogen
When a substance loses hydrogen in a chemical reaction, it is oxidized. The reaction is called oxidation.
e.g. Chemical reaction of chlorine and hydrogen sulphide
chlorine + hydrogen sulphide → sulphur + hydrogen chloride
Cl2 (g) + H2S (g) → S (s) + 2 HCl (g)
When a substance gains hydrogen in a chemical reaction, it is reduced. The reaction is called reduction.
e.g. The reaction of hydrogen and chlorine
hydrogen + chlorine → hydrogen chloride
H2 (g) + Cl2 (g) → HCl (g)
Chlorine gains hydrogen and it is reduced.
Oxidation is the addition of oxygen or electronegative element to a substance.
Reduction is the removal of oxygen or electronegative element from a substance.
Oxidation is the removal of hydrogen or electropositive element from a substance.
Reduction is the addition of hydrogen or electropositive element to a substance.
(c) Oxidation and reduction in Terms of Electron Transfer
One of the most important ways to define oxidation-reduction is electron transfer, in which one
substance gives up electrons and another substance takes electrons.
Example
Zn (s) + Cu2+ (aq) → Zn2+ (aq) + Cu (s)
Two ionic half equation
Zn (s) → Zn2+ (aq) + 2 e- ( loss of electrons, oxidation)
Cu2+ (aq) + 2 e- → Cu (s) ( gain of electrons, reduction)
Zn is oxidized. The formation of Zn2+ ion is due to the loss of two electrons each Zn atom.
Copper (II) ion is reduced. The change from Cu2+ ion into Cu metal is due to the gain of two electrons by each ion.
Therefore oxidation is the loss of electrons by an element, compound or ion.
Reduction is the gain of electrons by an element, compound or ion.
(d)Oxidation and Reduction in Terms of Oxidation Number
oxidised

0 +5
P4 + 5O2 + 6H2O → 4H3PO4

reduced

0 -2 -2
P4 + 5O2 + 6H2O → 4H3PO4

In above reaction, the oxidation number of phosphorus increases from 0 in P4 to +5 in H3PO4. Therefore P4
has been oxidized to H3PO4.
.Oxidation number of oxygen is decreased from 0 in O 2 to -2 in H3PO4 .
Therefore the oxygen has been reduced.
Any element which increases in oxidation number is said to be oxidized.
Any element which decreases in oxidation number is said to be reduced.
1. (i) NH3(g) + H2O (l) → NH4+ (aq) + OH- (aq)
(ii) 2 H2O2 (l) → 2H2O (l) + O2 (g)
(iii) Ba2+ (aq) + SO42- (aq) → BaSO4 (s)
Ans (ii)
2. (a) C(s) + 2H2SO4 (l) → CO2 (g) + 2SO2 (g) + 2H2O (l)
oxidised

0 +6 +4 +4
C(s) + 2H2SO4 (l) → CO2 (g) + 2SO2 (g) + 2H2O (l)

reduced
C is oxidized because the oxidation number of carbon increases from 0 (in C) to +4 (in CO 2).
Sulphur in H2SO4 is reduced because the oxidation number decreases from +6 (in H 2SO4) to +4 (in SO2).
(b) 2HNO3 (l) + 6HI (l) → 2NO (g) + 2I2 (g) + 4H2O (l)
oxidised

+5 -1 +2 0
2HNO3 (l) + 6HI (l) → 2NO (g) + 2I2 (g) + 4H2O (l)

reduced
Iodine in HI is oxidized because the oxidation number of iodine increases from -1 (in HI) to 0 (in I2).
Nitrogen in HNO3 is reduced because the oxidation number decreases from +5 (in HNO3) to +2 (in NO).
3. oxidised

+5 -2 -1 0
∆
2KBrO3 (s) 2KBr (s) + 3O2 (g)

reduced
This reaction is the oxidation reduction reaction because the oxidation number of oxygen increases from -2
( in KBrO3 ) to 0 ( in O2 ) and the oxidation number of bromine decreases from +5 ( in KBrO 3 ) to -1 ( in KBr )
❖Oxidation is the addition of oxygen (or electronegative element) to a substance or the

removal of hydrogen (or electropositive element) from a substance.

❖Oxidation is the loss of electrons by an element, compound or ion or an increase in oxidation

number.

❖Reduction is the removal of oxygen (or electronegative element) from a substance or the

addition of hydrogen (or electropositive element) to a substance.

❖Reduction is the gain of electrons by an element, compound or ions, or a decrease in

oxidation number.
3.3 Oxidation Reduction Reaction ( Redox Reaction)
▪ Chemical reactions which involve oxidation as well as reduction processes simutaneously, are known as
redox reactions.
▪ Redox reactions are very important in living things.
▪ For example, photosynthesis provides food for the plant. Respiration keeps you alive.
▪ The separate oxidation reduction reaction are called half reactions.
▪ Redox reactions require a track of each electron to each atom in chemical reactions.
▪ Redox reactions are also encountered in electrochemistry.
The combustion of magnesium ribbon
Oxidation(loss of e- )

Mg(2.8.2) + O (2.6) → Mg2+ (2.8) + O2- (2.8)

Reduction(gain of e-)
Mg → Mg2+ +2e- (oxidation, loss of electrons)
𝟏
𝟐
O2 + 2e- → O2- (reduction, gain of electrons)

In the above chemical reaction, magnesium loses electrons and so it is oxidized . At the same
time, oxygen gains electrons and so it is reduced.
Thus the reaction between Mg and oxygen is a redox reaction.
1. (i) MgO (s) + H2CO3 (aq) → MgCO3 (s) + H2O (l)
It is not a redox reaction.
oxidised

0 +1 +1 0
(ii) 2Na (s) + 2 H2O (l) → 2 NaOH (aq) + H2 (g)

reduced
It is a redox reaction. Na is oxidized and hydrogen in H2O is reduced.

2. (a) 2KMnO4 (s) + 16HCl (l) → 2MnCl2 (aq) + 5 Cl2 (g) + 8 H2O (l) + 2 KCl (aq)
oxidised

+7 -1 +2 0
2KMnO4 (s) + 16HCl (l) → 2MnCl2 (aq) + 5 Cl2 (g) + 8 H2O (l) + 2 KCl (aq)

reduced
Chlorine in HCl is oxidized and manganese in KMnO4 is reduced.
2. (b) 2KNO3 (s) → 2KNO2 (s) + O2 (g)
oxidized

+5 -2 +3 0
2KNO3 (s) → 2KNO2 (s) + O2 (g)

reduced
oxygen in KNO3 is oxidized and nitrogen in KNO3 is reduced.

3. (iii) It is not a redox reaction.

❖Redox reactions are the chemical reactions which involve oxidation as well as
reduction processes simultaneously .
3.4 Oxidizing agent and reducing agent
❑ An oxidizing agent or oxidant is an acceptor of electrons and is reduced itself in a chemical reaction.
❑ The oxidizing agent is normally in one of its higher possible oxidation states because it will gain electrons and
be reduced.
✓ The oxidizing agent helps the other substance to get oxidized.
✓ Examples, oxygen, halogens, concentrated sulphuric acid, nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, potassium
permanganate, potassium dichromate and metallic oxides etc.
A reducing agent or reductant is a donor of electrons and is oxidized itself in a chemical reaction.
The reducing agent is typically in one of its lower possible oxidation states because it will lose electrons and
be oxidized in the redox reaction.
The reducing agent helps the other substance to get reduced and it gets oxidized.
Examples; earth metals (K, Ca, Ba, Na, Mg, metal hydrides), formic acid, sulfite compounds.
Common reducing agents= C (coke or coal), H2

Strongest reducing agent= Li

Mg(s) + CuO(s) → Cu(s) + MgO(s)

Review Questions
1. (a) Mg (s) + H2O (g) → MgO (s) + H2 (g) 2. (a) 2 Sr (s) + O2 (g) → 2 SrO (s)
oxidation oxidation

0 +1 +2 0 0 0 +2 -2
Mg (s) + H2O (g) → MgO (s) + H2 (g) 2 Sr (s) + O2 (g) → 2 SrO (s)

reduction reduction
Mg is oxidized and H2O is reduced. O2 oxidises Sr to SrO , and itself is reduced.
The oxidizing agent is H2O. So, O2 is an oxidising agent.
The reducing agent is Mg. Sr reduces O2 to SrO , and itself is oxidised.
So, Sr is a reducing agent.
o An oxidizing agent or oxidant is an acceptor of electrons and is
reduced itself in a chemical reaction. An oxidizing agent helps the
other substance to get oxidized and it gets reduced.
o A reducing agent or reductant is a donor of electrons and is oxidized
itself in a chemical reaction. A reducing agent helps the other
substance to get reduced and it gets oxidized.
oxidation

0 +2 0 +2

Mg(s) + CuO(s) → Cu(s) + MgO(s)

reduction
3.5 Balancing Oxidation-Reduction equations
(a)Balancing the redox equation using oxidation number
Step 1. Write the unbalanced chemical equation for the reaction.
Fe2O3(s) + CO(g) → Fe(s) + CO2 (g)
Step2. Assign oxidation numbers to all atoms or elements in the reactant and the products and determine which
atom change oxidation state.
+3 +2 0 +4
Fe2O3(s) + CO(g) → Fe(s) + CO2 (g)
Step3. Deduce the oxidation number changes by using the line to connect the atoms that are undergoing a
change a oxidation number (oxidation number of products – ox.no of reactants). Balance the connected atoms on
the lines, write the ox.no change.
change int oxidation number -3 x 2 = -6 (reduced)
+3 +2 0 +4
Fe2O3(s) + CO(g) → 2Fe(s) + CO2 (g)

change int oxidation number +2 (oxidised)

Step 4. Balance the oxidation number changes by multiplying appropriate coefficients to make the total increase in
ox.no equal to the total decrease in ox.no.
reduced -6

+3 +2 0 +4
Fe2O3(s) + CO(g) → 2 Fe(s) + CO2 (g)
oxidized (+2x3)=+6

Step 5. Balance the atoms and total charges by showing the actual chemical forms of the reactants and the
products, adjusting the coefficients as necessary to give the number of atoms in step 4.

Fe2O3(s) + 3 CO(g) → 2 Fe(s) + 3 CO2 (g)

(b) Balancing the Ionic Redox Equation Using Half-equation
In this method, the equation is separated into two half-equation: one for oxidation and one for reduction. Each
equation is balanced by adjusting the coefficients of elements and adding H2O, H+ , OH- and electron(s) in the
following order:
1. Write the unbalanced chemical equation in ionic form (if necessary)
2. Write separate half-reactions.
3. Balance the number of atoms of the elements in the chemical equation other than O and H.
4. Balance the oxygen atom by adding water molecules.
5. Balance the hydrogen atoms by adding H+ ions.
6. Balance the charge of each chemical equation with electrons.
7. The electrons on each side must be made equal: if they are not equal they must be multiplied by appropriate
integers.
8. The half equations are added together, cancelling out the electrons to form one balanced chemical equation. (If
the equation is being balanced in a basic solution the appropriate number of OH - must be added to balance the
remaining H+.
(i)Acidic condition
Acidic condition usually implies a solution with an excess of H+ concentration, hence making the solution
acidic. Let balance the given redox reaction in acidic condition as follows:
Step 1. Write the given unbalanced equation.
Cr2O72- (aq) + HNO2(aq) → Cr3+ (aq) + NO3- (aq)
Step 2. Separate it into two half reactions.
Cr2O72- (aq) → Cr3+ (aq) HNO2(aq) → NO3- (aq)
Step 3. Balance the elements other than O and H.
Cr2O72- (aq) → 2 Cr3+ (aq) HNO2(aq) → NO3- (aq)
Step 4. Add to balance oxygen.
Cr2O72- (aq) → 2 Cr3+ (aq) + 7H2O(l) HNO2(aq) +H2O (l) → NO3- (aq)
Step 5.Balance hydrogen by adding H+ ions
14H+(aq) + Cr2O72- (aq) → 2 Cr3+ (aq) + 7 H2O(l)
HNO2(aq) + H2O(l) → 3H+(aq) + NO3- (aq)
Step 6. Balance the charge of each equation with electrons.
6e- + 14H+(aq) + Cr2O72- (aq) → 2 Cr3+ (aq) + 7 H2O(l)
HNO2(aq) + H2O(l) → 3H+(aq) + NO3- (aq)+ 2 e-
Step 7. Check and balance the reactions so that the electrons are equal.
6e- + 14H+(aq) + Cr2O72- (aq) → 2 Cr3+ (aq) + 7 H2O(l)
3HNO2(aq) + 3H2O(l) → 9H+(aq) +3 NO3- (aq)+ 6 e-
Step 8. Add the half-reactions and cancel out common terms.
6e- + 14H+(aq) + Cr2O72- (aq) → 2 Cr3+ (aq) + 7H2O(l)
3HNO2(aq) + 3H2O(l) → 9H+(aq) +3 NO3- (aq)+ 6 e-
3HNO2(aq) + 5H+(aq) + Cr2O72- (aq) → 3NO3- (aq) + 2 Cr3+ (aq) + 4H2O(l)
The total charge of reactants must be equal to total charges of products.
+3 = +3
(ii) Alkaline Condition
Basic solution follows the same steps as for acidic solution. The only difference is adding hydroxide ions
(OH-) to each side of the net reaction to balance any hydrogen, and OH and H ions on the same side of a
reaction should be added together to form water. Again any common terms can be cancelled out.
Step 1. Ag(s) + Zn2+(aq) → Ag2O (aq) + Zn(s)
Step 2. Ag(s) → Ag2O (aq)
Zn2+(aq) → Zn(s)
Step 3. 2Ag(s) → Ag2O (aq)
Zn2+(aq) → Zn(s)
Step 4. H2O(l) + 2Ag(s) → Ag2O (aq)
Zn2+(aq) → Zn(s)
Step 5. H2O(l) + 2Ag(s) → Ag2O (aq) + 2H+(aq)
Zn2+(aq) → Zn(s)
Step 6. H2O(l) + 2Ag(s) → Ag2O (aq) + 2H+(aq) )+ 2 e-
Zn2+(aq) + 2 e- → Zn(s)
Step 7. the electrons are balanced.
Step 8. H2O(l) + 2Ag(s) → Ag2O (aq) + 2H+(aq) + 2 e-
Zn2+(aq) + 2 e- → Zn(s)

H2O(l) + 2Ag(s) + Zn2+(aq) → Zn(s) + Ag2O (aq) + 2H+(aq)

Add OH- to balance H. There are two net hydrogen ions, so two OH - ions are added on
both sides.
2OH- + H2O(l) + 2Ag(s) + Zn2+(aq) → Zn(s) + Ag2O (aq) + 2H+(aq) + 2OH-
2OH- + H2O(l) + 2Ag(s) + Zn2+(aq) → Zn(s) + Ag2O (aq) + 2 H2O(l)
2OH- + H2O(l) + 2Ag(s) + Zn2+(aq) → Zn(s) + Ag2O (aq) + 2 H2O(l)
2OH- + 2Ag(s) + Zn2+(aq) → Zn(s) + Ag2O (aq) + H2O(l)
Review Question (c) Al (s) + SO42- (aq) → Al3+ (aq) + SO2 (g)
1. (a) Zn(s) + NO3- (aq) → Zn2+ (aq) + NH4+ (aq) + H2O(l) oxidized (+3)x2=+6
oxidized (+2)x4 =+8
0 +6 +3 +4
0 +5 +2 -3 Al (s) + SO42- (aq) → Al3+ (aq) + SO2 (g)
Zn(s) + NO3- (aq) → Zn2+ (aq) + NH4+ (aq) + H2O(l)
reduced (-2)x3 =-5
reduced (-8) x1= -8 2Al (s) + 3SO42- (aq) → 2Al3+ (aq) + 3SO2 (g)
4Zn(s) + NO3- (aq) → 4Zn2+ (aq) + NH4+ (aq) + H2O(l) 2Al (s) + 3SO42- (aq)+12 H+ (aq)→ 2Al3+ (aq) + 3SO2 (g)
4Zn(s) + NO3- (aq) + 10H+(aq) → 4Zn2+ (aq) + NH4+ (aq) + 3H2O(l) +6 H2O(l)
(b) HNO3(aq) + Cu (s) → Cu(NO3)2 (aq) + NO (aq) + H2O(l)
oxidized (+2)x3 =+6

+5 0 +2 +2
HNO3(aq) + Cu (s) → Cu(NO3)2 (aq) + NO (aq) + H2O(l)

reduced (-3)x2 = -6
2HNO3(aq) + 3Cu (s) → 3Cu(NO3)2 (aq) + 2NO (aq) + H2O(l)
8HNO3(aq) + 3Cu (s) → 3Cu(NO3)2 (aq) + 2NO (aq) + 4H2O(l)
2. (a) S (s) + NaIO3 (aq) + NaOH (aq) → Na2SO4 (aq) + NaI (aq) + H2O(l)
oxidized (+6)

0 +5 +6 -1
S (s) + NaIO3 (aq) + NaOH (aq) → Na2SO4 (aq) + NaI (aq) + H2O(l)

reduction (-6)
S (s) + NaIO3 (aq) + NaOH (aq) → Na2SO4 (aq) + NaI (aq) + H2O(l)
S (s) + NaIO3 (aq) + 2NaOH (aq) → Na2SO4 (aq) + NaI (aq) + H2O(l)
(b) Cl2 (g) + NaOH (aq) → NaCl (aq) +NaClO3(aq) + H2O (l)
oxidized (+5x2)=+10x1=+10

0 -1 +5
Cl2 (g) + NaOH (aq) → 2NaCl (aq) +2NaClO3(aq) + H2O (l)

reduced (-1X2)=-2 x5 = -10

(5+1)Cl2 (g) + NaOH (aq) → 10NaCl (aq) +2NaClO3(aq) + H2O (l)
6Cl2 (g) + 12NaOH (aq) → 10NaCl (aq) +2NaClO3(aq) + 6H2O (l)
3Cl2 (g) + 6NaOH (aq) → 5NaCl (aq) +NaClO3(aq) + 3H2O (l)
(c) Cr2(SO4) 3 (aq) + NaOH (aq) + H2O2 (l) → Na2CrO4 (aq) + Na2SO4 (aq) + H2O (l)
oxidized (+3x2)=+6x1= +6

+3 -1 +6 -2
Cr2(SO4) 3 (aq) + NaOH (aq) + H2O2 (l) →2Na2CrO4 (aq) + Na2SO4 (aq) + 2H2O (l)

reduced (-1x2)=-2x 3= -6
Cr2(SO4) 3 (aq) + NaOH (aq) + 3H2O2 (l) → 2Na2CrO4 (aq) + Na2SO4 (aq) + 6H2O (l)
Cr2(SO4) 3 (aq) + 10NaOH (aq) + 3H2O2 (l) → 2Na2CrO4 (aq) + 3Na2SO4 (aq) + 8H2O (l)

(d) MnO4- (aq) + C2O42- (aq) → MnO2 (s) + CO2 (g)

oxidized (+1x2)x3=+6

+7 +3 +4 +4
MnO4- (aq) + C2O42- (aq) → MnO2 (s) + 2CO2 (g)

reduced (-3)x2=-6
2MnO4- (aq) + 3C2O42- (aq) →2 MnO2 (s) + 6CO2 (g)
2MnO4- (aq) + 3C2O42- (aq) + 8H+ (aq) →2 MnO2 (s) + 6CO2 (g) + 4H2O (l)
2MnO4- (aq) + 3C2O42- (aq) + 8H+ (aq) + 8OH- (aq)→2 MnO2 (s) + 6CO2 (g) + 4H2O (l) + 8OH- (aq)
2MnO4- (aq) + 3C2O42- (aq) + 8H2O (l) →2 MnO2 (s) + 6CO2 (g) + 4H2O (l) + 8OH- (aq)
2MnO4- (aq) + 3C2O42- (aq) + 4H2O (l) →2 MnO2 (s) + 6CO2 (g) + 8OH- (aq)
Chemistry in society
➢The oxidation of fuels such as petrol, gas, wood, etc. produces a large amount of
energy which we need for various purposes in daily life.
➢Oxidation of food in the digestive system causes the changes in proteins and
nutrient required for biochemical reactions.
➢Oxidation of fats and oils lead to rancidity and in fruits such as apples, it can result
in the formation of compounds which change the colour of fruits.
➢Margarine and other butter substitutes are produced by using reduction of oils
from corn, peanuts and soybeans.
➢The breathalysers, to estimate the content of alcohol in drivers’ breathes employ
the chemical principle of redox reaction.
➢Oxidising and reducing agents are important in industrial application.
➢They are used in processes such us purifying water, bleaching fabrics, and storing
energy ( batteries, fuel cells, etc. )
THANK YOU
7. 2Mg (s) + O2(g) → 2MgO (s)
oxidation

0 0 +2 -2
2Mg (s) + O2(g) → 2MgO (s)

reduction
This reaction is a redox reaction.
The oxidation number of magnesium (Mg) increases from 0( in Mg) to +2 ( in MgO ).
The oxidation number of oxygen (O2) decreases from 0 ( in O2 ) to -2( in MgO) .
In this reaction, the oxidation and reduction reaction takes place simultaneous.

7
8. (a) C2H6(g) + 2O2 (g) →2CO2 (g) + 3H2O (l)

(b) 2Sb (s) + 2HNO3 (aq) → Sb2O3 (aq) + 2NO (g) + H2O(l)
oxidation
-1 0 -1 0 (i) Br- is oxidized.
9. 2Br- (aq) + Cl2(g) → 2Cl- (aq) + Br2 (l) (ii) Cl2 is reduced
(iii) Cl2 is oxidizing agent
reduction (iv) Br- is reducing agent.
10. Complete and balance each reaction by using half-equation.
(a) MnO4- (aq) + NO2- (aq) → MnO2 (s) + NO3- (aq) ( in alkaline medium)
MnO4- (aq) → MnO2 (s) ( reduction )
NO2- (aq) → NO3- (aq) (oxidation)
MnO4- (aq) + 4H+ (aq) + 3e→ MnO2 (s) + 2H2O (l) ------(1)
NO2- (aq) + H2O (l) → NO3- (aq) + 2H+ (aq) +2e -----------(2)
(1) x2 --- >2MnO4- (aq) + 8H+ (aq) + 6e→ 2MnO2 (s) + 4H2O (l)
(2)x3 ---- > 3NO2- (aq) + 3H2O (l) → 3NO3- (aq) + 6H+ (aq) +6e
2MnO4- (aq) + 3NO2- (aq) + 2H+ (aq) → 2MnO2 (s) + 3NO3- (aq) + H2O (l)
2MnO4- (aq) + 3NO2- (aq) + 2H+ (aq) +2OH- (aq) → 2MnO2 (s) + 3NO3- (aq) + H2O (l) +2OH- (aq)
2MnO4- (aq) + 3NO2- (aq) + 2H2O (l) → 2MnO2 (s) + 3NO3- (aq) + H2O (l) +OH- (aq)
2MnO4- (aq) + 3NO2- (aq) + H2O (l) → 2MnO2 (s) + 3NO3- (aq) +OH- (aq)
(b) Sn2+ (aq) + IO3-(aq) → Sn4+ (aq) + I- (aq) ( in acidic solution)
Sn2+ (aq) → Sn4+ (aq) (oxidation)
IO3-(aq) → I- (aq) (reduction)
Sn2+ (aq) → Sn4+ (aq) +2e -----(1)
IO3-(aq) + 6H+ (aq) +6e → I- (aq) + 3H2O (l) -----(2)
3Sn2+ (aq) → 3Sn4+ (aq) +6e -----(1)x3
IO3-(aq) + 6H+ (aq) +6e → I- (aq) + 3H2O (l) -----(2)x1
3Sn2+ (aq) + IO3-(aq) + 6H+ (aq) → 3Sn4+ (aq) + I- (aq) + 3H2O (l)
(c) Bi(s) + NO3- (aq) → Bi3+ (aq) + NO2 (g) ( in acidic solution)
(d) Cr2O72- (aq) + I- (aq) → Cr3+ (aq) + I2 (g) ( in acidic solution)
11. Complete and balance each reaction by using oxidation number.
(a) Ba (s) + AlF3(aq) → BaF2 (aq) + Al (s)
(b) H2SO4 (aq) + HBr (aq) → SO2 (g) + Br2 (aq) + H2O (l)
(c) H2O (l) + Cl2 (g) → HCL (g) + O2 (g)
(d) P4(s) + HNO3(aq) → H3PO4 (aq) + NO2 (g) + H2O (l)