Redox

Question 1

4 rules when assigning oxidation states

Answer 1

1. o.s of any atom in its elemental state is zero
2. o.s. of any monoatomic ion is equal to the charge on the ion
3. o.s of groups 1, 2 & 13 are +1, +2 and +3 respectively
4. when assigning o.s. to atoms in a polyatomic ion, assign the o.s. to the most electronegative atom first
5. sum of o.s. of the elements in neutral compound is zero; sum of o.s. of atoms in a polyatomic ion is equal to the charge on the ion

Question 2

define disproportionation reaction

Answer 2

a redox reaction in which the same element is simultaneously oxidised and reduced to form 2 different products

Question 3

define comproportionation reaction

Answer 3

a redox reaction in which 2 reactants, each containing the same element but with different oxidation states, will form a product in which the element involved reaches the same oxidation state