Substances X 2 , Y 2 , and Z 2 can all act as oxidizing agents. In solution X 2
ID: 979170 • Letter: S
Question
Substances X2, Y2, and Z2 can all act as oxidizing agents. In solution X2 is green, Y2 is yellow, and Z2 is red. In the reactions in which they participate, they are reduced to X–, Y–, and Z– ions, all of which are colorless. A solution of X2 is mixed with one containing Y– ions. The color changes from green to yellow.
a. Write the net equation for the reaction.
b. Which species is oxidized?
c. Which species is the oxidizing agent?
d. Which is the better oxidizing agent, X2 or Y2?
Explanation / Answer
Substances X2, Y2, and Z2 can all act as oxidizing agents. In solution X2 is green, Y2 is yellow, and Z2 is red. In the reactions in which they participate, they are reduced to X–, Y–, and Z– ions, all of which are colorless. A solution of X2 is mixed with one containing Y– ions. The color changes from green to yellow.
1) solution of X2 (green) is mixed with one containing Y- (colourless)
The change in colour is green to yellow
which means that X2 gets converted to X- and Y- to Y2
a) the net equation
X2 + 2Y- ---> Y2 + 2X-
b) Y- gets oxidized to Y2 (oxidaiton number increases from -1 to 0)
c) the one which undergoes reduction will be oxidizing agent
so X2 will be oxidizing agent
d) As X2 is able to oxidize Y- so X2 is better oxidizing agent