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VCE Stuff => VCE Science => VCE Mathematics/Science/Technology => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE Chemistry => Topic started by: Starlight on June 10, 2012, 07:50:13 pm

Title: Redox reactions question
Post by: Starlight on June 10, 2012, 07:50:13 pm
'Consider the reaction: Zn(s) + HCl(aq) ---> Zn2+(aq) + H2(g) + Cl-(aq)

Which species is the oxidant? (I thought Zn because it's reduced... but the answer says H+ why?)
Title: Re: Redox reactions question
Post by: aznxD on June 10, 2012, 07:54:00 pm
The oxidation state of Zn changes from 0 to +2
The oxidation state of H+ changes from +1 to 0
An increase in oxidation number is an oxidation, while a decrease is reduction.
Therefore H+ is undergoing reduction. Hence it is the oxidant
Title: Re: Redox reactions question
Post by: Tonychet2 on June 10, 2012, 07:54:25 pm
Zn is being oxidised not reduced here
Title: Re: Redox reactions question
Post by: Starlight on June 10, 2012, 08:03:19 pm
Quote from: Tonychet2 on June 10, 2012, 07:54:25 pm
Zn is being oxidised not reduced here

Just realised, man I always get them mixed up :P
Title: Re: Redox reactions question
Post by: ecvkcuf on June 10, 2012, 09:47:59 pm
Just curious El, are you doing VCE Chem in Uni?
Title: Re: Redox reactions question
Post by: Starlight on June 10, 2012, 10:13:56 pm
Quote from: ecvkcuf on June 10, 2012, 09:47:59 pm
Just curious El, are you doing VCE Chem in Uni?

Yeah, chem fundamentals
Title: Re: Redox reactions question
Post by: Comatose on June 10, 2012, 10:14:25 pm
uhh silly question by what does oxidising agent mean? :D
Title: Re: Redox reactions question
Post by: aznxD on June 10, 2012, 10:15:50 pm
Quote from: Comatose on June 10, 2012, 10:14:25 pm
uhh silly question by what does oxidising agent mean? :D

The oxidant. So the compound being reduced/undergoing reduction.
Title: Re: Redox reactions question
Post by: Starlight on June 10, 2012, 10:18:35 pm
Quote from: aznxD on June 10, 2012, 10:15:50 pm
Quote from: Comatose on June 10, 2012, 10:14:25 pm
uhh silly question by what does oxidising agent mean? :D

The oxidant. So the compound being reduced/undergoing reduction.

and causes SOMETHING ELSE to be oxidised :P