Chemistry Topic 3 and 4

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PiXL KnowIT!
AS/Year 1 Chemistry
Edexcel Topics 3 & 4: Redox I,

inorganic chemistry and the

periodic table
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Overview
Topics 3 & 4
Redox I
• Oxidation number
• Oxidation and reduction
• Oxidising and reducing agents
• Disproportionation
• Ionic half equations
The elements of Groups 1 & 2
• Trends and reactions
• Flame colours
The elements of Group 7
• Trends and reactions
• Disproportionation
Analysis of inorganic compounds
• Tests for carbonate, sulfate and
ammonium ions
LearnIT!
KnowIT!
Redox I
• Redox reactions
Oxidation number
The oxidation number of an atom is the charge that would exist on

an individual atom if the bonding were completely ionic.
In simple ions, the oxidation number of the atom is the charge on

the ion.
Na+, K+, H+ all have an oxidation number of +1.
Mg2+, Ca2+, Pb2+ all have an oxidation number of +2.
Cl-, Br-, I- all have an oxidation number of -1.
O2-, S2- all have an oxidation number of -2.

Oxidation number
In molecules or compounds, the sum of the oxidation numbers on

the atoms is zero.
SO3
oxidation number of S = +6
oxidation number of each O = -2.
+6 + 3(-2) = 0
H2O2
oxidation number of H = +1
oxidation number of O = -1.
2(+1) + 2(-1) = 0
Oxidation number
The Rules:
All group I atoms always adopt the +1 oxidation state in their compounds.
All group II atoms adopt the +2 oxidation state in their compounds.
Aluminium always adopts the +3 oxidation state in its compounds.
Fluorine always adopts the -1 oxidation state in its compounds.
Hydrogen adopts the +1 oxidation state in its compounds unless it is
bonded to a metal, Silicon or boron in which case it adopts the -1
oxidation state.
Oxygen adopts the -2 oxidation state in its compounds unless it is bonded
to a group I or group II metal or hydrogen (with which it sometimes
adopts the -1 oxidation state), or with fluorine (with which it adopts the +2
oxidation state).
Oxidation
Oxidation is the loss of electrons.
When a species loses electrons it is said to be oxidised.
For example:
Na → Na+ + e-
Each sodium atom loses one electron
2I- → I2 + 2e-
Each iodide ion loses one electron, so two in total
Reduction
Reduction is the gain of electrons.
When a species gains electrons it is said to be reduced.
For example:
Cl2 + 2e- → 2Cl-

Each chlorine atom gains one electron, so two in total
Al3+ + 3e- → Al
Each aluminium ion gains three electrons
Redox
Oxidising and reducing agents
The species which is reduced is accepting electrons from the other

species and is causing it to be oxidised.
It is an oxidising agent.
The species which is oxidised is donating electrons to another

species and is causing it to be reduced.
It is a reducing agent.
For example,
I2 + 2S2O32- → 2I- + S4O62-
Half-equations:
I2 + 2e → 2I- (reduction)
2S2O32- → S4O62- + 2e (oxidation)
I2 is the oxidising agent; S2O32- is the reducing agent.

Disproportionation
There are many substances which readily undergo both oxidation

and reduction, and which can behave as both oxidising agents and
reducing agents.
Species such as these are capable of undergoing oxidation and

reduction simultaneously.
The simultaneous oxidation and reduction of the same species is

known as disproportionation.
For example,
H2O2 + 2H+ + 2e → 2H2O (reduction)
H2O2 → O2 + 2H+ + 2e (oxidation)
2H2O2 → 2H2O + O2 (disproportionation)
oxidation numbers: -1 -2 0
Half equations
There are two ways to balance half-equations:

Method 1:
Identify the atom being oxidised or reduced, and make sure there
are the same number of that atom on both sides
Insert the number of electrons being gained or lost:

(on the left if reduction, on the right if oxidation)
No of electrons gained/lost =
change in oxidation number x number of atoms changing oxidation number
Balance O atoms by adding water
Balance H atoms by adding H+

Half equations
Write a balanced half-equation for the process SO32- → SO42-
There is one sulfur on each side, so S is already balanced

the oxidation number of the S is increasing from +4 to +6, so two
electrons are being lost.
SO32- → SO42- + 2e
There are three O atoms on the left and four on the right, so one
water is needed on the left:
SO32- + H2O → SO42- + 2e
There are two H atoms on the left and none on the right, so two H
ions are needed on the right:
SO32- + H2O → SO42- + 2H+ + 2e
The oxidation number of sulfur is increasing and electrons are

being lost. It is an oxidation process.
Half equations
Method 2:
This method does not use oxidation numbers and is easier in more
complex processes
Identify the atom being oxidised or reduced, and make sure there
are the same number of that atom on both sides
Balance O atoms by adding water
Balance H atoms by adding H+
Add the necessary number of electrons to ensure the charge on both

sides is the same
Half equations
Write a balanced half-equation for the process H2SO4 → H2S
There is one sulfur on each side, so the S is already balanced
There are four O atoms on the left and none on the right, so four
waters are needed on the right
H2SO4 → H2S + 4H2O
There are two H atoms on the left and ten on the right, so eight H
ions are needed on the left.
H2SO4 + 8H+ → H2S + 4H2O
The total charge on the left is +8 and on the right is 0. So eight
electrons must be added to the left to balance the charge.
H2SO4 + 8H+ + 8e → H2S + 4H2O
The oxidation number of the S is decreasing and electrons are

being gained. It is a reduction process.
Half equations
Half-equations consider gain and loss of electrons but electrons

cannot be created or destroyed; they can only be transferred.
Any reaction consisting of the oxidation of one species and the

reduction of another is known as a redox reaction.
For example,
H2SO4 + 8H+ + 8e → H2S + 4H2O - reduction
2I- → I2 + 2e – oxidation
(the oxidation half-equation must be multiplied by 4 to equate the

electrons)
overall: H2SO4 + 8H+ + 8I- → H2S + 4H2O + 4I2

QuestionIT!
Redox I
• Redox reactions
Redox part 1 – QuestionIT
1. Define the term ‘oxidation’.
2. Define the term ‘reduction’.
3. What is meant by the term ‘oxidation number’?
4. What is the oxidation number of a molecule or compound?
5. What is a redox reaction?

Redox part 1 – QuestionIT
6. Define the term ‘oxidising agent’.
7. Define the term ‘reducing agent’.
8. What is a disproportionation reaction?
9. What is the oxidation number of hydrogen?
10. What is the oxidation number of oxygen?

AnswerIT!
Redox I
• Redox reactions
Redox part 1 – AnswerIT
1. Define the term ‘oxidation’.

Oxidation is the loss of electrons.
2. Define the term ‘reduction’.

Reduction is the gain of electrons.
3. What is meant by the term ‘oxidation number’?

The oxidation number of an atom is the charge that would exist on
an individual atom if the bonding were completely ionic.
4. What is the overall oxidation number of a molecule or compound?

In molecules or compounds, the sum of the oxidation numbers on
the atoms is zero.
5. What is a redox reaction?

Any reaction consisting of the oxidation of one species and the
reduction of another.
6. Define the term ‘oxidising agent’.

A species which is reduced by accepting electrons from another
species and causing it to be oxidised.
7. Define the term ‘reducing agent’.

A species which is oxidised by donating electrons to another
species and is causing it to be reduced.
8. What is a disproportionation?
The simultaneous oxidation and reduction of the same species.
9. What is the oxidation number of hydrogen?

+1 oxidation state in its compounds unless it is bonded to a metal,
Silicon or boron in which case it adopts the -1 oxidation state.
10. What is the oxidation number of oxygen?
-2 oxidation state in its compounds unless it is bonded to a group I
or group II metal or hydrogen (with which it sometimes adopts the
-1 oxidation state), or with fluorine (with which it adopts the +2
oxidation state).
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Groups 1 & 2
Part 1
• Trends in properties
Ionisation energies down Group 2
Trend in first ionisation energy

When you go down a group, the number of shells increases. This
means the outer shells are more shielded from the positive pull of
the nucleus and are less closely held, making outer electrons easier
to remove.
Therefore the first ionisation energies of the atoms decrease down

Group 2.
Trend in reactivity down Group 2
Trend in reactivity
When you go down a group, the number of shells increases.

This means the outer shells are more shielded from the positive pull
of the nucleus and are less closely held meaning they move further
away. This means the ionisation energy decreases. It is therefore
easier to lose electrons.
Group 2 elements lose 2 electrons when they react; the further
down the group you go:
• the higher the electron shielding
• the lower the ionisation energy
• the easier it is to lose electrons.
QuestionIT!
Groups 1 & 2
Part 1
Groups 1 & 2 part 1 – QuestionIT
1. What name is given to the Group 2 elements?
2. List the elements in Group 2.
3. What is the outer shell configuration of the Group 2 elements?
4. State the trend in reactivity of the Group 2 elements.
5. State the trend in ionisation energies of the Group 2 elements.

AnswerIT!
Groups 1 & 2
Part 1
1. What name is given to the Group 2 elements?

The alkali earth metals

Beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, radium
3. What is the outer shell configuration of the Group 2 elements?

Ns2
4. State the trend in reactivity of the Group 2 elements.

The reactivity increases down Group 2.
5. State the trend in first ionisation energies of the Group 2

elements.
The first ionisation energies of the atoms decrease down Group 2.
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Groups 1 & 2
Part 2
• Reactions with water, oxygen,
chlorine and dilute acid
• Solubility of hydroxides and
sulfates
• Thermal stability of carbonates
and nitrates
• Flame tests
Reactions with oxygen
Reaction of Group 2 elements with oxygen
Metals react with oxygen to form metal oxides.

For example,
2Ca(s) + O2(g) → 2MgO(s)
The vigour of these reactions depends on two factors:

• how easily two electrons can be removed from the atom
As ionisation energies decrease down Group 2, the electrons are

more easily removed from the atoms and the reaction with oxygen
becomes increasingly vigorous as you go down the group.
Therefore the reactivity with oxygen increases down Group 2.

Reactions with chlorine
Reaction of Group 2 elements with chlorine
Metals react with chloride to form chloride salts.

For example,
Ca(s) + Cl2(g) → CaCl2(s)


more easily removed from the atoms and the reaction with chlorine
Therefore the reactivity with chlorine increases down Group 2.

Reactions with water
Reaction of Group 2 elements with water
Metals react with water to form metal hydroxides and hydrogen.

For example,
Ca(s) + 2H2O(l) → Ca(OH)2(aq) + H2(g)
Ca(s) + 2H2O(l) → Ca2+(aq) + 2OH-(aq) + H2(g)
• how soluble the hydroxides of the metals are

more easily removed from the atoms and the reaction with water
Therefore the reactivity with water increases down Group 2.

Reactions with water
Be does not react with water or steam.
Mg does not react with water* but reacts with steam. Mg(OH)2
decomposes at high temperatures so MgO is the main product when
magnesium reacts with steam:
Mg(s) + H2O(g) → MgO(s) + H2(g)
Calcium reacts steadily with cold water. The solution goes cloudy as
the hydroxide is not very soluble:
Ca(s) + 2H2O(l) → Ca(OH)2(s) + H2(g)
Strontium and barium react vigorously with cold water, barium

even more vigorously than strontium:
Sr(s) + 2H2O(l) → Sr(OH)2(aq) + H2(g)
Ba(s) + 2H2O(l) → Ba(OH)2(aq) + H2(g)
(* It does, slightly, but a layer of insoluble hydroxide forms on the surface
preventing further reaction)
Reactions of Group 2 compounds
Reaction of Group 2 oxides – with water

CaO(s) + 2H2O(l) → Ca(OH)2(aq)
Solubility increases down the group, causing an increase in alkalinity
of the solution.
Reaction of Group 2 oxides – with dilute acid

CaO(s) + 2HCl(aq) → CaCl2(aq) + H2O(l)
Neutralisation to form a salt and water. (When reacting with sulfuric
acid the solubility of the sulfate has an impact on the reaction, less
soluble precipitates slow the reaction by coating the remaining
oxide.)
Reaction of Group 2 hydroxides – with dilute acid

Ca(OH)2(aq) + 2HCl(aq) → CaCl2(aq) + 2H2O(l)
Neutralisation to form a salt and water.
Solubility of sulfates
The solubility of Group 2 sulfates decreases down the group.
MgSO4 is soluble, CaSO4 is sparingly soluble and SrSO4 and BaSO4 are
insoluble.
If sulfuric acid or sodium sulfate is added to aqueous solutions of
calcium, strontium or barium ions, a white precipitate will be
formed.
Testing for sulfate ions
If dilute sulfuric acid or sodium sulfate is added to a solution of Mg2+
or Be2+, there is no reaction and no precipitate is formed.
The thick white precipitate formed when barium ions are added to
sulfate ions can be used as a test for sulfate ions.
Solubility of hydroxides
The solubility of Group 2 hydroxides increases down the group.
Mg(OH)2 is insoluble, Ca(OH)2 is sparingly soluble and Sr(OH)2 and

Ba(OH)2 are soluble.
If dilute sodium hydroxide is added to a solution of Mg2+ ions, a

white precipitate will be formed immediately.
If dilute sodium hydroxide is added to a solution of Ca2+ ions, a faint

white precipitate will be formed (excess NaOH must be added).
If dilute sodium hydroxide is added to a solution of Sr2+ or Ba2+,

there is no reaction and no precipitate is formed.
Thermal stability of nitrates and carbonates
Carbonates and nitrates of Group 1 and 2 elements become more

thermally stable as you go down the group.
This is because: These bullet

• The size of the cation increases points are
• So the charge density of the cation decreases sufficient for the
• So the carbonate or nitrate ions are less exam.
polarised.
The beryllium is a
small 2+ ion and has a
Be2+
lot of charge in a small
volume. The Barium The cation attracts the delocalised
has the same charge electrons in the carbonate ion, polarising
(2+) in a larger volume the carbonate ion. The higher the charge
and therefore a lower density of the cation the bigger the effect
charge density. on the carbonate or nitrate ion.
Flame tests
Explanation:
Element Flame colour
Electrons are promoted to a higher
Li Red energy level by heat from the
Na Orange flame.
K Lilac Electrons fall to a lower energy
level (or return to ground state)
Rb Red
emitting light; which varies for each
Cs Blue-violet ion.
Ca Orange-red If an element produces no flame
Sr Red colour this means the emitted
radiation is not in the visible region
Ba Pale green
of the spectrum.
YouTube video of Group 1 flame tests: link; Group 2 flame tests: link
There is an excellent summary chart of the flame colours produced at this website.
QuestionIT!
Groups 1 & 2
Part 2
sulfates
and nitrates
• Flame tests
1. State the trend in reactivity for the Group 2 elements.
2. What products are formed when Group 2 elements react with

water?
3. State the trend in the solubility of the Group 2 hydroxides.
4. State the trend in the solubility of the Group 2 sulfates.
5. What is the main product formed when magnesium reacts with

steam?
6. State and explain the trend in thermal stability of the nitrates and
carbonates of the elements in Group 1.
7. State the flame colour for the following:

a. Lithium
b. Calcium
c. Barium
8. Explain how colour is formed in the flame.
9. Explain why some elements do not produce a flame colour.

AnswerIT!
Groups 1 & 2
Part 2
sulfates
and nitrates
• Flame tests
1. State the trend in reactivity for the Group 2 elements.

The reactivity with water increases down Group 2.
2. What products are formed when Group 2 elements react with

water?
Group 2 metal hydroxides and hydrogen.
3. State the trend in the solubility of the Group 2 hydroxides.

The solubility of the group 2 hydroxides increases on descending
the group.
4. State the trend in the solubility of the Group 2 sulfates.

The solubility of Group 2 sulfates decreases down the group.
5. What is the main product formed when magnesium reacts with

steam?
MgO is the main product.
6. State and explain the trend in thermal stability of the nitrates and
carbonates of the elements in Group 1.
More stable down the group, the size of the cation increases, the
charge density of the cation decreases, so nitrate and carbonate
ions are less polarised.
7. State the flame colour for the following:
a. Lithium red
b. Calcium orange-red
c. Barium pale green
8. Explain how colour is formed in the flame.

Electrons promoted to a higher level by heat from flame;
electrons fall back to ground state; light is emitted in the visible
spectrum.
9. Explain why some elements do not produce a flame colour.
Emitted radiation is not in the visible spectrum.
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KnowIT!
Group 7
Part 1
• Trends
Group 7
The halogens is the collective name given to the elements in Group 7

of the Periodic Table.
There are five halogens; fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine and

astatine. Astatine is very radioactive and cannot exist for more than a
few microseconds before decaying.
All these elements are most commonly found in the -1 oxidation

state, as X- ions. These are known as halide ions.
Group 7
Each halogen atom has seven valence electrons so they tend to form
diatomic molecules, e.g. F2, Cl2, Br2 and I2.
They are simple molecular, with weak intermolecular forces

between the molecules.
In non-polar
Halogen In pure form In water
solvents
(Reacts with (Reacts with
Fluorine Pale yellow gas
solvents) water)
Pale green Pale green
Chlorine Pale green gas
solution solution
Bromine Dark red liquid Orange solution Orange solution
Iodine Grey solid Purple solution Insoluble

Melting and boiling points
Trend in melting and boiling points

The boiling points of the halogens increase steadily down the group.
This is due to the increasing number of electrons in the molecule
and the increasing surface area of the molecule.
This results in the increase in strength of the London forces between
the molecules, therefore increasing the energy required to overcome
them.
Electronegativity
Trend in electronegativity
The electronegativity decreases down a group.
Electronegativity is the ability of an atom to attract electrons in a

covalent bond.
As the number of shells increases, the shielding increases and the

electrons in the covalent bond are further from and more shielded
from the positive pull of the nucleus. They are therefore less
strongly attracted to the nucleus and the electronegativity
decreases.
Reactivity
Trend in reactivity
When you go down a group, the number of shells increases.

This means the outer shells are more shielded from the positive pull
of the nucleus and are less closely held meaning they move further
away. This means the electronegativity decreases. It is therefore
harder to gain electrons.
Group 7 elements gain 1 electrons when they react; the further
down the group you go:
• the higher the electron shielding
• the lower the electronegativity
• the harder it is to gain electrons.
QuestionIT!
Group 7
Part 1
• Trends
Group 7 part 1 – QuestionIT
1. What is the name given to Group 7 of the Periodic Table?
3. What is the oxidation state of the halide ions?
4. What is the structure of the diatomic halogen molecules?
5. State the trend in the melting and boiling points of the Group 7
elements.
6. State the trend in the electronegativities of the Group 7

elements.
7. Complete the following table with the appropriate colours that

are observed.
In non-polar
solvents
_____________ (Reacts with
Fluorine (Reacts with water)
gas solvents)
_____________ ________________ ________________
Chlorine
gas solution solution
________________ ________________ ________________
Bromine
liquid solution solution
________________ ________________
Iodine Insoluble
solid solution
AnswerIT!
Group 7
Part 1
• Trends
Group 7 part 1 – AnswerIT
1. What is the name given to Group 7 of the Periodic Table?

The halogens.

Fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, astatine.
3. What is the oxidation state of the halide ions?

-1
4. What is the structure of the diatomic halogen molecules?

Simple molecular
5. State the trend in the melting and boiling points of the Group 7
elements.
Melting and boiling points increase steadily down the group.
6. State the trend in the electronegativities of the Group 7

elements.
The electronegativity of the halogen atoms decreases down a
group.
7. Complete the following table with the appropriate colours that
are observed.
In non-polar
solvents
(Reacts with
Fluorine Pale yellow gas (Reacts with water)
solvents)
Chlorine Pale green gas Pale green solution Pale green solution
Bromine Dark red liquid Orange solution Orange solution
Iodine Grey solid Purple solution Insoluble

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Group 7
Part 2
• Trend in oxidising and reducing
ability
Group 7 oxidising ability
All the halogens are oxidising agents, as they can accept electrons
and get reduced.
For example,
F2(g) + 2e → 2F-(aq)
The fewer the number of shells in the atom, the closer the
electrons can get to the nucleus and the less shielded the electrons
are from the nucleus. The attraction of the electrons to the nucleus
is stronger and the atom is more likely to accept electrons.
The oxidising power of the halogens decreases down the

group.
Group 7 reducing ability
The halide ions are reducing agents, as they can lose electrons and
get oxidised.
For example,
2F-(aq) → F2(g) + 2e
As the number of shells in the ion increases, there is more shielding

of the nucleus and the outer electrons become less strongly held.
These electrons can be lost more easily and the halide ion is more
readily oxidised.
The reducing power of the halides increases down the

group.
Group 7 oxidising ability and displacement
The more reactive halogens (the strongest oxidising agents) will

displace more reactive halides (the strongest reducing agents) from
solutions of their ions:
Chlorine will displace bromide and iodide ions from solution.
Bromine will displace iodide ions from solution, but not chloride
ions.
Iodine cannot displace either bromide or chloride ions from

solution.
As size increases down the group, the ability of the atoms to
accept electrons decreases and hence their oxidising power
decreases.
Group 7 reducing strength
The variation in reducing strength of the halides can be seen in the

reaction of the sodium halides with concentrated sulfuric acid.
Concentrated sulfuric acid is a strong acid and can convert the

sodium halide salts into the hydrogen halides. The halide ions are
not oxidised in this reaction; they are behaving as bases.
However, concentrated sulfuric acid is, however, also an oxidising
agent; it can be reduced either to SO2, to S or to H2S depending on
the strength of the halide.
Products of reaction with

Salt Types of reaction occurring
concentrated sulfuric acid
NaCl HCl, NaHSO4 Acid-base
NaBr Br2, H2O, SO2, NaHSO4 Acid-base and redox
NaI I2, H2O, S, H2S, NaHSO4 Acid-base and redox
QuestionIT!
Group 7
Part 2
ability
1. State the trend in oxidising power of the halogen atoms.
2. State the trend in reducing power of the halide ions.
3. Name the type of reaction when a more reactive halogen

replaces a halide ion in solution.
4. Complete the table below.

NaCl HCl, NaHSO4
NaBr Br2, H2O, SO2, NaHSO4
NaI I2, H2O, S, H2S, NaHSO4
AnswerIT!
Group 7
Part 2
ability
1. State the trend in oxidising power of the halogen atoms.

The oxidising power of the halogens decreases down the group.
2. State the trend in reducing power of the halide ions.

The reducing power of the halides increases down the group.
3. Name the type of reaction when a more reactive halogen

replaces a halide ion in solution.
Displacement reaction.
4. Complete the table below.

NaCl HCl, NaHSO4 Acid-base
NaBr Br2, H2O, SO2, NaHSO4 Acid-base and redox
NaI I2, H2O, S, H2S, NaHSO4 Acid-base and redox
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Group 7
Part 3
• Tests for Halide Ions
• Reactions of chlorine with water
• Uses of chlorine and chlorate (I)
Group 7 – Tests for Halide Ions
The silver ion, Ag+, forms insoluble precipitates with halide ions.
Each halide has a characteristic colour so this reaction can be used
as chemical test to identify these ions.
If silver nitrate solution, and a little nitric acid, is added to an

aqueous solution containing a halide ion, the following reactions
take place:
Ag+(aq) + Cl-(aq) → AgCl(s) white precipitate

Ag+(aq) + Br-(aq) → AgBr(s) cream precipitate
Ag+(aq) + I-(aq) → AgI(s) yellow precipitate
The nitric acid is added to ensure that any carbonate or hydroxide

ions are removed (as CO2 or H2O) and so do not interfere with the
precipitate by forming precipitates of silver hydroxide/carbonate.
Group 7 – Tests for Halide Ions
The three silver halide precipitates are similar in colour and it is not
always easy to tell them apart. A further test can be used to
distinguish between them.
If dilute or concentrated ammonia is added to AgCl(s), the

precipitate dissolves.
If dilute ammonia is added to AgBr(s), there is no reaction but if

concentrated ammonia is added then the precipitate dissolves.
Silver iodide does not dissolve either in dilute or in concentrated

ammonia.
Group 7 – Chlorine and chlorate (I)
Chlorine is slightly soluble in water and reacts in a

disproportionation reaction.
Cl2(g) + H2O(l) → HCl(aq) + HClO(aq) "chlorine water"

0 → -1 +1
The chlorine is simultaneously oxidised and reduced.
HClO is chloric (I) acid. It is a mild oxidising agent and effective at

killing bacteria without being harmful to humans. A small amount
of chlorine dissolved in water will sterilise the water and chlorine is
widely used in swimming pools and in water treatment for this
reason.
Chlorine is toxic to humans in anything other than very small doses,

so care must be taken not to over-chlorinate the water supply.
Group 7 – Chlorine and chlorate (I)
Chlorine disproportionates readily in dilute alkali.
Cl2(g) + 2OH-(aq) → Cl-(aq) + OCl-(aq) + H2O(l)

0 → -1 +1
Again, the chlorine is simultaneously oxidised and reduced
The ion ClO- is known as the chlorate (I) ion. It is an important

oxidising agent and is the active ingredient in domestic bleach,
NaClO.
QuestionIT!
Group 7
Part 3
• Reactions of chlorine with
water
1. State the colours of the precipitates when silver ions react with
halide ions.
2. What can be used to distinguish between the colours of the

precipitates?
3. Complete this equation:

Cl2 (g) + H2O (l) →
4. Give a use of chloric (I) acid.

Cl2 (g) + 2OH- (l) →
6. Give a use of the chlorate (I) ion.

AnswerIT!
Group 7
Part 3
• Reactions of chlorine with
water
1. State the colours of the precipitates when silver ions react with
halide ions.
Ag+(aq) + Cl-(aq) → AgCl(s) white precipitate
Ag+(aq) + Br-(aq) → AgBr(s) cream precipitate
Ag+(aq) + I-(aq) → AgI(s) yellow precipitate
2. What can be used to distinguish between the colours of the

precipitates?
Dilute and concentrated ammonia solution

Cl2(g) + H2O(l) → HCl(aq) + HClO(aq)
4. Give a use of chloric (I) acid

It is effective at killing bacteria without being harmful to humans.
A small amount of chlorine dissolved in water will sterilise the
water and chlorine is widely used in swimming pools and in water
treatment.

Cl2(g) + 2OH-(aq) → Cl-(aq) + OCl-(aq) + H2O(l)
6. Give a use of the chlorate (I) ion.

It is the active ingredient in domestic bleach.
LearnIT!
KnowIT!
Analysis of inorganic
compounds
ammonium
Analysis of inorganic compounds
Identifying carbonate ions

Carbonates react with dilute acids to form carbon dioxide gas. Carbon dioxide can
be identified with limewater.
MgCO3(s) + H2SO4(aq) → MgSO4(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)
Identifying sulfate Ions

Sulfate ions in solution produce a white precipitate with barium chloride in the
presence of dilute hydrochloric acid.
BaCl2(aq) + Na2SO4 (aq) → BaSO4(s) + 2NaCl(aq)
Identifying ammonium ions

Add sodium hydroxide and heat gently. If ammonium ions are present, ammonia
gas is produced. Ammonia turns damp red litmus paper blue.
NH4+(aq) + OH-(aq) → NH3(g) + H2O(l)
QuestionIT!
compounds
ammonium
Analysis of inorganic compounds – QuestionIT
1. How would you test for a carbonate?
2. How would you test the gas produced by the above reaction?
3. How would you test for sulfate ions?
4. Write the word and balanced symbol equation for the reaction
between sodium sulfate and barium chloride.
5. How would you test for ammonium ions?

AnswerIT!
compounds
ammonium
Analysis of inorganic compounds – QuestionIT
1. How would you test for a carbonate?

React with acid to form carbon dioxide gas
2. How would you test the gas produced by the above reaction?
Limewater
3. How would you test for sulfate ions?
Add barium chloride in the presence of hydrochloric acid; white
precipitate formed
4. Write the word and balanced symbol equation for the reaction
between sodium sulfate and barium chloride.
BaCl2(aq) + Na2SO4 (aq) → BaSO4(s) + 2NaCl(aq)
5. How would you test for ammonium ions?
Add sodium hydroxide and heat gently; test the gas evolved with
damp red litmus paper; turns blue

Chemistry Topic 3 and 4

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Chemistry Topic 3 and 4

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Edexcel Topics 3 & 4: Redox I,

inorganic chemistry and the

The oxidation number of an atom is the charge that would exist on

In simple ions, the oxidation number of the atom is the charge on

Na+, K+, H+ all have an oxidation number of +1.

Mg2+, Ca2+, Pb2+ all have an oxidation number of +2.

Cl-, Br-, I- all have an oxidation number of -1.

O2-, S2- all have an oxidation number of -2.

In molecules or compounds, the sum of the oxidation numbers on

Oxidation is the loss of electrons.

When a species loses electrons it is said to be oxidised.

Reduction is the gain of electrons.

When a species gains electrons it is said to be reduced.

Cl2 + 2e- → 2Cl-

The species which is reduced is accepting electrons from the other

The species which is oxidised is donating electrons to another

I2 is the oxidising agent; S2O32- is the reducing agent.

There are many substances which readily undergo both oxidation

Species such as these are capable of undergoing oxidation and

The simultaneous oxidation and reduction of the same species is

There are two ways to balance half-equations:

Insert the number of electrons being gained or lost:

Balance O atoms by adding water

Balance H atoms by adding H+

Write a balanced half-equation for the process SO32- → SO42-

There is one sulfur on each side, so S is already balanced

The oxidation number of sulfur is increasing and electrons are

Balance O atoms by adding water

Balance H atoms by adding H+

Add the necessary number of electrons to ensure the charge on both

Write a balanced half-equation for the process H2SO4 → H2S

There is one sulfur on each side, so the S is already balanced

The oxidation number of the S is decreasing and electrons are

Half-equations consider gain and loss of electrons but electrons

Any reaction consisting of the oxidation of one species and the

(the oxidation half-equation must be multiplied by 4 to equate the

overall: H2SO4 + 8H+ + 8I- → H2S + 4H2O + 4I2

1. Define the term ‘oxidation’.

2. Define the term ‘reduction’.

3. What is meant by the term ‘oxidation number’?

4. What is the oxidation number of a molecule or compound?

5. What is a redox reaction?

6. Define the term ‘oxidising agent’.

7. Define the term ‘reducing agent’.

8. What is a disproportionation reaction?

9. What is the oxidation number of hydrogen?

10. What is the oxidation number of oxygen?

1. Define the term ‘oxidation’.

2. Define the term ‘reduction’.

3. What is meant by the term ‘oxidation number’?

4. What is the overall oxidation number of a molecule or compound?

5. What is a redox reaction?

6. Define the term ‘oxidising agent’.

7. Define the term ‘reducing agent’.

9. What is the oxidation number of hydrogen?

Trend in first ionisation energy

Therefore the first ionisation energies of the atoms decrease down

When you go down a group, the number of shells increases.

1. What name is given to the Group 2 elements?

2. List the elements in Group 2.

3. What is the outer shell configuration of the Group 2 elements?

4. State the trend in reactivity of the Group 2 elements.