Chapter 7

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1. How can you justify that a reaction between
magnesium and oxygen is a redox
reaction, while the reaction shows only addition of
oxygen (oxidation)
Ans. This reaction between magnesium and oxygen
(oxidation) by magnesium and gain of electrons
(reduction) by oxygen. Hence, it is a redox
reaction.
2. A reaction between carbon and oxygen involved
only addition of oxygen (oxidation),
but, it is called a redox reaction. Comment on this.
Ans. Carbon is being oxidized as
being reduced as its oxidation number decreases
from 0 to
reactions are taking place.That is why it is called
redox reaction.
3. Oxidation and reduction proceed simult
Ans. where there is oxidation there is reduction.
Both reactions proceed simultaneously.
example,

In this reaction magnesium is oxidized and oxygen

is reduced.
4. Identify which of the following is oxidation or
Ans.
(a) K involves lose of electron, so it is an
(b) Br involves gain of electron, it is a
(c) Cu involves lose of electron,
(d) Iodide ion loses an electron,
(e) Ferric ion loses an electron,
5. An element M reacts with another element X to
form MX
electrons, identify the element which is oxidized
and which is reduced
Ans.
M atom loses two electrons, so it is oxidized.
Electrochemistry
atoms involves lose of electrons
arbon its oxidation number increases from 0 to +4
and oxygen is
2. Both oxidation and reduction
simultaneously. Explain, with an example
reduction reaction?

oxidation reaction.
reduction reaction.
it is an oxidation reaction.
it is an oxidation reaction.
it is an oxidation reaction.
MX2 In terms of loss or gain of
M M+2 + 2e
1
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oxidation)?
aneously. example?
for
reduced?
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X atom gains two electrons
6. How can you justify that the following reaction
is not only an oxidation reaction but also
a complete redox reaction?
Ans. Removal of an oxygen atom

removed from FeO, so it is reduced. CO gains

oxygen and is converted to CO
7. Explain the term oxidation on the basis of
electronic concept with
Ans. Oxidation is loss of electron
1. Find out the oxidation numbers of the following
elements marked in bold in the
formulae:
Ba3(PO4)2, CaSO4, Cu(NO
Ans.
(a) To find oxidation number of P in
3(oxidation number of Ba) + 2(oxidation number of
P
3(+2) + 2(oxidation number of P) + 8(
6 + 2(O.N. of P) 16 = 0
2(O.N. of P) 10 = 0
2(O.N. of P) = 10
O.N. of P = 10
2
Oxidation number of P = 5
(b)To calculate oxidation number of S in
(O.N. of Ca) + (O.N. of S

(+2) + (oxidation number of S

2 + (O.N. of S) 8 = 0
O.N. of S 6 = 0
Oxidation number of S = 6
Electrochemistry
X + 2e X2
electrons, so it is reduced.
M + X MX2
from a molecule is called reduction.
, an example
by an atom or an ion. e.g.
O3)2, Al2(SO4)3.
Ba3(PO4)2
P) + 8(oxidation number of O
8( 2) = 0
o CaSO4
) + 4(O.N. of O) = 0
S) + 4( 2) = 0
2
lectrochemistry
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Oxygen atom has

CO2. It is oxidized.
example?
) O) = 0
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(c)To calculate oxidation number of N in Cu(NO3)2
(O.N. of Cu) + 2(O.N. of N) + 6(O.N. of O) = 0
(+2) + 2(O.N. of N) + 6( 2) = 0
2 + 2(O.N. of N) 12 = 0
2(O.N. of N) 10 = 0
2(O.N. of N) = 10
O.N. of N = 10/2
Oxidation number of N = 5
(d)To calculate oxidation number of S in Al2(SO4)3
2(O.N.of Al) + 3(O.N.of S) + 12(O.N.of O) = 0
2(+3) + 3(oxidation number of S) + 12(2) = 0
6 + 3(oxidation number of S) 24 = 0
3(oxidation number of S) 18 = 0
3(oxidation number of S) = 18

O.N. of of S = 18/3
O.N. of S = 6
2. In a compound MX3, find out the oxidation
number of M and X?
Ans.
Applying formula for MX3
(O.No. of M) + 3(O.No. of X) = 0
(O.No. of M) +3(1) = 0
O.No. of M 3 = 0
O.No. of M = 3
Applying formula for MX3
(O.No. of M) + 3(O.No. of X) = 0
3 + 3(O.No. of X) = 0
3(O.No. of X) = 3
O.No. of X = 3/3
O.No. of X = 1
3. Why the oxidation number of oxygen in OF2 is
+2?
Ans. In OF2 molecule both oxygen and fluorine
atoms are electronegative. Fluorine being
most electronegative atom gets negative ( 4)
oxidation state and oxygen atom being less

electron negative gets positive (+2) oxidation

state.
4. In H2S, SO2 and H2SO4 the sulphur atom has
different oxidation number. Find out the
oxidation number of sulphur in each compound.
Ans.
(a) H2S
2(O.N of H ) + O.N of S = 0
2(+1) + O.N of S = 0
2 + O.N of S = 0
O.N of S = 2
3
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(b) SO2
O.N of S + 2(O.N of O
O.N of S +2(2)
O.N of S 4 = 0
O.N of S = 4
(c) H2SO4
2(O.N of H ) + (O.N of S

2(+1) + O.N of S + 4(
2 + O.N of S 8 = 0
O.N of S 6 = 0
O.N of S = 6
5. An element X has oxidation state 0. What will be
its oxidation state when it gains three
electrons?
Ans. when X element gains three electrons its
oxidation state changes from 0 to
It can be represented as:
X + 3e
6. An element in oxidation state +7 gains electrons
to be reduced to oxidation state +2.
How many electrons did it accept?
Ans. when an element in oxidation state +7 gains
five (5) electrons its oxidation state
reduced to +2.
It can be represented as:
7. If the oxidation state of an element changes
from +5 to
oxidized? How many electrons are involved in this
process?

Ans. If the oxidation state of an element changes

from +5 to
gained eight (8) electrons.
1. In the following reaction, how can you justify
that H
Ans. Chemical equation with oxidation number
S+4O2
4 + 2H
From above equation we can
0. So, H2S is oxidized. In SO
reduced.
Electrochemistry
)=0
=0
S) + 4(O.N of O) = 0
4(2) = 0
3e-- X3-X7+ + 5e-- X2+
-3. Has it been reduced or
-3, it has been reduced. It has
X 5+ + 8e-- X3--

H2S is oxidized and

numbers can be written as:
2H2
+2S2 2H2
+2O2 + 3S0
see that oxidation number of S in H2S has changed
from
S SO2, oxidation number of S has changed from +4
to 0. So, SO
4
lectrochemistry
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3.
, S SO2 is reduced.
S 2 to
SO2 is
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2. The reaction between MnO
equation.
Find out:

a. The substance oxidized.

b. The substance reduced.
c. The substance which acts
d. The substance which acts as a reducing agent.
Ans. chemical equation
Mn+4O2
-4 + 4H+1Cl
The above reaction shows that
(a) HCl is oxidized.
(b) MnO2 is reduced.
(c) MnO2 acts an oxidizing agent.
(d) HCl acts as a reducing agent.
3. The following reactions are redox reactions.
Find out the element which has been reduced and
the element which has been
oxidized.
Ans.
(a) Chemical equation with oxidation numbers
Zn0 + Cu
Above reaction shows that
i. Zinc (Zn0) is oxidized.

ii. Copper (Cu2+)

(b) Chemical equation with oxidation numbers can
be written as:
Cu0 + 2Ag
Above reaction shows that
i. Copper (Cu0)
ii. Silver (Ag+1) is reduced.
Electrochemistry
MnO2 and HCl is a redox reaction written as
balance chemical
as an oxidizing agent.
with oxidation numbers can be written as:
Cl-1 Mn+2Cl2
-2 + 2H2
+2O-2 + Cl
can be written as:
Cu+2SO4
-2 Zn+2SO4
-2 + Cu0
) is reduced.
2Ag+1N+5O3

-6 Cu+2(N+10O3
-12)2 + 2Ag
is oxidized.
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lectrochemistry
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Cl2
0
2Ag0
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(c) Chemical equation with oxidation numbers can
be written as:
H2
+2S + Cl
Above reaction shows that
i. Sulphur (S) is oxidized.
ii. Chlorine (Cl) is reduced.
4. Why the following reaction is not a redox
reaction. Explain with reasons?

Ans. Chemical equation with oxidation numbers

can be written as:
Na+1O-2H+1
It is clear from above reaction, there is
Therefore, no oxidation-reduction reaction taking
place. So, it is not a redox reaction.
1. Why are the strong electrolytes termed as good
conductors?
Ans. Strong electrolytes are termed as good
conductors because they ionize almost
completely in their solutions. The ions of
electrolytes are responsible for the conduct of
electricity.
2. Does non-electrolytes forms ions in solution?
Ans. Non-electrolytes do not
3. What is difference between a strong electrolyte
and a weak electrolyte?
Ans.
Strong electrolyte: The electrolytes which ionize
almost completely in their aqueous
solutions and produce more ions, are called strong
electrolytes.

electrolytes are aqueous solutions of NaCl, NaOH

and H
Weak electrolyte: The electrolytes which ionize
and could not produce more ions are called weak
electrolytes. Acetic acid (CH
Ca(OH)2 when dissolved in water, ionize to a small
extent and are good examples of weak
electrolytes.
4. Identify a strong or
CuSO4, H2CO3, Ca(OH)2
Ans.
Strong electrolyte
weak electrolyte
Electrochemistry
S Cl2
0 2H+1Cl-1 + S0
++ H+1Cl-1 Na+1Cl-1 + H2
+2O-2
ar no change in oxidation number of any element.
trong ionize in their aqueous solutions.
Examples of strong

H2SO4.
to a small extent when dissolved in water
weak electrolyte among the following compounds:
, HCl, AgNO3
CuSO4, HCl, AgNO3
H2CO3, Ca(OH)2
6
lectrochemistry
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CH3COOH) and
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5. Which force drives the non
Ans. An electric force drives
6. Which type of chemical reaction takes place in
electrolytic cell?
Ans. A Non-spontaneous redox reaction takes
place in
7. What type of reaction takes place at anode in
Ans. An oxidation reaction takes place at anode in
electrolytic cell

8. Why the positively charged electrode is called

anode in electrolytic cell?
Ans. In electrolytic cell, positively charged
electrode is
battery, that is why it is called an anode.
9. In the electrolysis of water, towards which
terminal H
Ans. In the electrolysis of water, H
10. In the electrolysis of water, where is the
oxygen produced?
Ans. In the electrolysis of water,
11. Towards which electrode of the electrolytic cell
moves the cations and what does they
do there ?
Ans. In electrolytic cell cations move toward
cathode.
electrons.
12. How the half-cells of a galvanic cell are
connected? What is function of salt
Ans. A galvanic cell consists of two cells.
connected electrically by a salt bridge. In each of
the half

solution of its own salt and connected through a

wire to an external circuit.
the salt bridge is to keep the solutions of two half
migration of ions.
1. Anode of Downs cell is made of a non
this anode?
Ans. Graphite acts as anode in
The function of graphite anode is to oxidize Cl
2. Where does the sodium metal is collected in
Downs cell?
Ans. Sodium ions (Na+) are
denser molten salt mixture from where it is
collected in a side tube.
3. What is the name of the by
Ans. Chlorine gas (Cl2) is produced
4. Are anodes of Downs cell
name ?
Ans. Yes, anodes of both
of element is graphite.
Electrochemistry
non-spontaneous reaction to take place?

the non-spontaneous reaction to take place

an electrolytic cell
electrolytic cell?
cell.
connected to po
H+ ions move?
H+ ions move towards cathode.
oxygen is produced at anode.
They get reduced there by gaining
anic Each cell is called as half
half-cell, an electrode is dipped in 1 M
half-cells neutral by providing a pathway for
non-metal, what is its name? What is the function
of
Downs cell.
Cl-- ions to Cl2 by taking electrons from it.
2Cl-- Cl2 + 2e-) reduced at cathode and molten sodium (Na
by-product produced in the Downs cell?
as a by-product in the Downs cell.

s and Nelson cell made of same element? If yes,

what is its
Downs cell and Nelson cell are made of same
element
7
lectrochemistry
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place.
cell.
positive terminal of the
salt-bridge?
half-cell. These are
The function of
al Na) metal floats on the
element. The name
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5. What is the shape of cathode in Nelsons cell?
Why is it perforated?
Ans. U-shaped iron cathode
sodium hydroxide solution slowly into a catch
basin

6. Which ions are discharged at cathode in

Nelsons cell and what is produced at
cathode?
Ans. The H+ ions are discharged at cathode and H
2H
1. What is the difference between corrosion and
rusting?
Ans.
Corrosion is slow and continuous eating away of
a metal by the surrounding
medium.
Corrosion is a general term but corrosion of iron
is called
2. What happens to iron in the rusting process?
Ans. By rusting process the whole piece of iron is
eaten away
3. Rusting completes in how many redox reactions?
Ans. The rusting of iron
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.

4. Explain the role of O2 in rusting?

Ans. Oxygen plays an important role in rusting.
A region of relatively high O
as cathode and electrons reduce the oxygen
molecule in the presence of H
This chemical reaction starts rusting of iron.
5. State the best method for pro
Ans. The best method for protection against the
corrosion of metals exposed to acidic
conditions is coating the metal with other metal.
Corrosion resistant metals like
(Sn) and chromium (Cr) are coated on the surface
of iron to protect it from corrosion.
6. What do you mean by galvanizing
Ans. The process of coating a thin layer of zinc on
iron is called galvanizing. This process is
carried out by dipping a clean iron sheet in a zinc
iron sheet is removed, rolled into molten zinc
metal bath and finally air
Electrochemistry
is used in Nelsons cell. It is to be perforated for
basin.

H2 gas is produced at cathode.

2H2O + 2e-- H2 + 2OH
rusting
away.
completes is these four steps:
n O2 concentration near the surface surrounded by
water layer acts
protection of metal from corrosion?
galvanizing?
chloride bath and then heating it. After this
air-cooled.
8
lectrochemistry
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. percolation of
rusting.
H+ ions.
zinc (Zn), tin
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7. What is the advantage of galvanizing?

Ans. Advantage of galvanizing is that zinc protects

the iron against corrosion even
coating surface is broken.
8. Why tin plated iron is rusted rapidly when tin
layer is broken?
Ans. The tin protects the iron only as long as its
protective layer remains intact. Once it is
broken and the iron is exposed to the air and
water, a
rusts rapidly.
9. Name the metal which is used for galvanizing
iron?
Ans. Zinc metal is used for
1. Define electroplating?
Ans. An electroplating is depositing of one metal
over the other by
2. How electroplating of zinc is carried out?
Ans. The target metal is cleaned in alkaline
detergent solutions and it is treated with acid, in
order to remove any rust or surface scales. Then,
the zinc is deposited on the metal by
immersing it in a chemical bath containing
electrolyte zinc sulphate. A current is applied,

which results in depositing of zinc on the target

metal i.e. cathode.
3. Which material is used to make cathode in
electroplating?
Ans. The cathode is made up of the
up of iron.
4. Why is the anode made up of a metal to be
deposited during electrolysis?
Ans. The anode is made of the metal, which is to
be deposited like Cr, Ni.
is passed, the metal from anode dissolves in the
solution and metallic ions migrate to the
cathode and discharge or deposit on the cathode
(object).
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
1. Define oxidation in term
Ans. Oxidation is loss of electrons by an atom
2. Define reduction in terms of loss or gain of oxyg
Ans. Reduction is defined as addition of hydrogen
or removal of oxygen during a chemical
reaction.
Let us have an example
Electrochemistry

galvanic cell is established and iron

the galvanizing of iron.
lectroplating means of electrolysis
object that is to be electroplated like some sheet
made
rom terms of electrons. Give an example?
or an ion. e.g.
oxygen or hydrogen. Give an example?
based upon removal or addition of oxygen.
9
lectrochemistry
ADNAN SOHAIL
after the
electrolysis.
When the current
en
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Let us have another example
3. What is difference between valency and
oxidation state?

Ans.
Valency
It is the combining capacity of an
atom to other atom.
It is a number only. It has no plus or
minus sign with it.
It can not be zero.
It is always a whole number.
4. Differentiate between oxidizing and reducing
agents
Ans.
Oxidizing agent
An Oxidizing agent is the specie that
oxidise a substance by taking
electrons from it.
Non-metals are oxidizing agents
because they accept electrons being
more electronegative elements.
Electrochemistry
based upon removal or addition of hydrogen.
Oxidation State

 It is the apparent charge assigned to

an atom of an element in a molecule
or in an ion.
It may be positive or negative
number.
It may be zero.
It may be whole number or in
fraction.
agents?
Reducing agent
Reducing agent is the specie that
reduces a substance by donating
electron to it.
Almost all metals are good reducing
agents because they have the
tendency to lose
10
lectrochemistry
ADNAN SOHAIL
he electrons.
Chapter 7

Creative Science Academy

5. Differentiate between strong and weak
electrolytes?
Ans.
Strong Electrolytes
The electrolytes which ionize almost
completely in their aqueous solutions
and produce more ions, are called
strong electrolytes.
Example of strong electrolytes are
aqueous solutions of NaCl, NaOH
and H2SO4, etc.

6. How electroplating of tin on steel is carried out?

Ans. Tin is usually electroplated on steel by placing
the steel into a container containing a
solution of tin salt. The steel is connected to an
electrical circuit, acting as cathode. While the
other electrode made of tin metal acts as anode.
When an electrical current passes through
the circuit, tin metal ions present in the solution
deposit on steel.

7. Why steel is plated with nickel before

Ans. The steel is usually plated first with nickel or
copper and then by chromium because it
does not adhere well on the steel surface.
Moreover, it allows moisture to pass through it
and metal is stripped off. The nickel or copper
provides adhesion and then chromium
deposited over the adhesive layer of copper lasts
longer.
8. How can you explain, that following reaction is
oxidation in terms of increase of
oxidation number?
Ans. Oxidation is loss of electrons by an atom or an
ion
three electrons and its oxidation state has
increased from 0 to +3
9. How can you prove with an example that
conversion of an ion to an atom is an
oxidation process?
Ans. Oxidation is loss of electrons by an atom or an
ion
oxidation of iron Fe+2 ion.
10. Why does the anode carries negative charge in
galvanic cell but positive charge in

electrolytic cell? Justify with comments.

Ans. In electrolytic cell, anode carries positive
charge because it is connected to positive
terminal of the battery.
In galvanic cell, anode carried negative charged
due to deposition of electrons which are lost
by metal acting as anode.
11. Where do the electrons flow from Zn electrode
in Daniels cell?
Ans. The electrons flow from Zn
electrode. These electrons are gained by the
copper ions of the solution
deposit at electrode.
Electrochemistry
en Weak Electrolytes
The electrolytes which ionize to a
small extent when dissolved in water
and could not produce more ions are
called weak electrolytes.
Acetic acid (CH
Ca(OH)2 when dissolved in water,
ionize to a small extent and are good

examples of weak electrolytes.

the electroplating of chromium?

he ion. In above reaction, Aluminum loses
3.
ion. e.g. a reaction given below is an
ns Zn-electrode through the external wire in a
circuit to copper
11
lectrochemistry
ADNAN SOHAIL
CH3COOH) and
and copper atoms
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12. Why do electrodes get their names anode and
cathode in galvanic cell?
Ans. In galvanic cell, the electrode from which
electrons flow out of the cell is called
The electrode from which electrons flow into the
cell is called

13. What happens at the cathode in a galvanic

cell?
Ans. Reduction reaction takes place at cathode in a
galvanic cell.
14. Which solution is used as an electrolyte in
Nelsons cell?
Ans. Aqueous solution of NaCl (brine) is used as an
electrolyte in
15. Name the by-products produced in Nelsons
cell?
Ans. Hydrogen (H2) and Chlorine (Cl
16. Why is galvanizing done?
Ans. Galvanizing (coating a thin layer of zinc on
iron) is done to protect iron from rusting.
17. Why an iron grill is painted frequently?
Ans. An iron grill is painted frequently
18. Why is O2 necessary for rusting?
Ans. Oxygen plays an important role in rusting.
A region of relatively high O
as cathode and electrons reduce the oxygen
molecule in the presence of H
In the absence of oxygen (O
19. In electroplating of chromium, which

Ans. Chromium sulphate

20. Write the redox reaction taking place during
the electroplating of chromium?
Ans. Following reactions takes place at electrodes
during the
21. In electroplating of silver, from where Ag
Ans. When the current is passed through the cell
produce Ag+ ions, that migrate towards
deposited on the object.
The chemical reaction can be represented as:
At Anode:
At Cathode:
What is the nature of electrode used in
electrolyting of
Ans. The object to be electroplated acts as cathode
while anode is made of antimonial lead
Electrochemistry
cathode.
Nelsons cell
) Cl2) gases are produced as a by-product
alvanizing n to protect iron surface from corrosion.

n O2 concentration near the surface surrounded by

water layer acts
O2) this chemical reaction cannot takes place.
salt is used as an electrolyte?
hromium sulphate, Cr2(SO4)3 is used as an
electrolyte in electroplatin
ollowing electroplating of chromium
Ag+ ions come and where they deposit?
cell, anode (piece of silver strip)
cathode. At cathode they are discharged and
chromium?
12
lectrochemistry
ADNAN SOHAIL
anode.
cell.
in Nelsons cell.
H+ ions.
) n electroplating of chromium.
chromium.
dissolves to

lead.
Chapter 7 Electrochemistry
Creative Science Academy ADNAN SOHAIL
M.Phil Chemistry
Find out the oxidation numbers of the underlined
elements in the following
compounds.
(a) Na2SO4 (b) AgNO3 (c) KMnO4
(d) K2Cr2O7 (e) HNO2
Ans.
(a) To find out oxidation number of S in Na2SO4
2(O.N. of Na) + (O.N. of S) + 4((O.N. of O) = 0
2(+1) + (O.N. of S) + 4( 2) = 0
2 + (O.N. of S) 8 = 0
O.N. of S 6 = 0
O.N. of S = 6
(b) To find out oxidation number of N in AgNO3
O.N. of Ag + O.N. of N + 3(O.N. of O) = 0
(+1) + O.N. of N + 3( 2) = 0
+1 + O.N. of N 6 = 0
O.N. of N 5 = 0

O.N. of N = 5
(c) To find out oxidation number of Mn in KMnO4
O.N. of K + O.N. of Mn + 4(O.N. of O) = 0
(+1) + O.N. of Mn + 4( 2) = 0
+1 + O.N. of Mn 8 = 0
O.N. of Mn 7 = 0
O.N. of Mn = 7
(d) To find out oxidation number of Cr in K2Cr2O7
2(O.N. of K) + 2(O.N. of Cr) + 7(O.N. of O) = 0
2(+1) + 2(O.N. of Cr) + 7(--2) = 0
2 + 2(O.N. of Cr) 14 = 0
2(O.N. of Cr) 12 = 0
2(O.N. of Cr) = 12
O.N. of Cr = 12
2
O.N. of Cr = 6
(e) To find out oxidation number of N in HNO2
O.N. of H + O.N. of N + 2(O.N. of O) = 0
(+1) + O.N. of N + 2( 2) = 0
+1 + O.N. of N 4 = 0
O.N. of N 3 = 0

O.N. of N = 3
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