How many electrons are transferred in the following balanced redox reaction?
3Cd (s) + 8H ^+ 2NO3 ^- (aq) → 3Cd ^2+ (aq) + 2NO (g) + 4H20 (el)
Options:
a) 3
b) 4
c) 5
d) 6
e) 7
To determine the number of electrons transferred in a redox reaction, we need to look at the change in oxidation numbers of the elements involved.
In this reaction, the oxidation state of Cd changes from 0 to +2 and the oxidation state of N changes from +5 to 0.
The change in oxidation number is +2 for Cd and +5 for N. Since the reaction is balanced, the two numbers must be equal.
The common factor between 2 and 5 is 5, so the number of electrons transferred is 5.
Therefore, the correct answer is c) 5.