Chapter 20, Problem 7STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: From the list of metal and metal ions, the increasing ease of oxidation and reduction order must be chosen.

Concept Introduction:

Oxidation is the loss of electrons and reduction is the gain of an electron with the help of oxidation number it can be concluded if the element is oxidized or reduced.

Therefore, an increase in oxidation number is observed in the oxidation reaction and a decrease is seen in the reduction reaction.

Answer to Problem 7STP

Arrow $\text{1}$ indicates the increasing ease of oxidation and the arrow $\text{2}$ of reduction.

Explanation of Solution

The element $\text{Ag}$, silver can be easily oxidized to ${\text{Ag}}^{+}$ compared to $\text{K}\to {\text{K}}^{+}$ (there is an increase in oxidation number) Therefore arrow $\text{1}$ (upwards) represents the increasing ease of oxidation.

Metal ions are not oxidized because they already lost an electron and have gained a positive charge therefore, arrow 2 represents (downwards) increasing ease of reduction.