Chapter 20.2, Problem 17LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The relation between oxidation number and the oxidation-reduction process is to be determined.

Concept introduction: The zero, positive or negative numbers that are assigned to an atom for indicating its degree of oxidation and reduction is the oxidation number. This number indicates the number of electrons that are either gained or lost during the bond formation in a chemical compound.

Answer to Problem 17LC

When the oxidation number is increased from the original value the chemical process involved is oxidation. While if the oxidation number is decreased from the original value, the chemical process involved is reduced.

Explanation of Solution

The completion of chemical reactions results in a change in the oxidation number of chemical compounds.

From the change in oxidation number values, the chemical species that have undergone oxidation and reduction can be easily found. The one in which the oxidation number is found to be decreased is said to be reduced because reduction involves the gain of electrons.

The one in which the oxidation number is found to be increased is said to be oxidized because oxidation involves the loss of electrons.