Which equation does not fit the definition of oxidation?
1. Na ® Na+ + e-
2. C2H6 ® H2 + C2H4
3. C + O2 ® CO2
4. Ag+ + e- ® Ag
Can some one help. I do not know which one. I am working on a practice test and there are no answers in the back of the book.
The correct answer is in the definition. Oxidation is the loss of electrons.
For example, #1, the equation shows the loss of 1e to become the + ion. Therefore, Na is oxidized.
#2 can't be the answer; that is an equation and equations (if redox equations) must have both.
To determine which equation does not fit the definition of oxidation, we need to recognize that oxidation involves the loss of electrons.
1. Na ® Na+ + e-: This equation represents the oxidation of sodium (Na) to sodium ion (Na+) by losing one electron. This follows the definition of oxidation, where an element loses electrons.
2. C2H6 ® H2 + C2H4: This equation represents the partial oxidation of ethane (C2H6) to form hydrogen gas (H2) and ethene (C2H4). In this reaction, carbon atoms in ethane lose electrons, so it also follows the definition of oxidation.
3. C + O2 ® CO2: This equation represents the combustion of carbon (C) with oxygen (O2) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2). Carbon in this reaction is oxidized because it loses electrons as it bonds with oxygen.
4. Ag+ + e- ® Ag: This equation represents the reduction of silver ion (Ag+) to silver (Ag) by gaining one electron. Although this equation pertains to reduction rather than oxidation, it is still a valid reaction in terms of electron transfer.
Therefore, all the given equations fit the definition of oxidation.
To identify which equation does not fit the definition of oxidation, we need to understand the process of oxidation.
Oxidation is defined as the loss of electrons by a species (atom, ion, or molecule) during a chemical reaction. It is accompanied by an increase in the oxidation state or the number of positive charges on the species.
Let's analyze each equation to see if it involves oxidation:
1. Na → Na+ + e-
Here, sodium (Na) loses one electron to form a sodium ion (Na+). As electrons are being lost, this equation represents oxidation.
2. C2H6 → H2 + C2H4
In this equation, the methane molecule (C2H6) is breaking down to form hydrogen gas (H2) and ethene (C2H4). Since there is no change in oxidation state or loss of electrons for carbon (C) in this reaction, it does not involve oxidation.
3. C + O2 → CO2
This equation shows the combustion of carbon (C) with oxygen gas (O2) to form carbon dioxide (CO2). In this process, carbon changes from an oxidation state of 0 to +4 in CO2, meaning it has lost four electrons. Therefore, this equation represents oxidation.
4. Ag+ + e- → Ag
Here, a silver ion (Ag+) gains one electron to form a neutral silver atom (Ag). Since electrons are being gained, this equation actually represents reduction (the opposite of oxidation).
So, out of the given equations, equation 2 does not fit the definition of oxidation (C2H6 → H2 + C2H4).