REDOX REACTION

CONTENT

S.No Pages

1. THEORY 2 – 33
2. Exercise-1 34 – 43
3. Exercise-2 44 – 50
4. Exercise-3 51
5. Exercise-4 52 – 55
6. Exercise-5 [NCERT Based Question] 56 – 58
7. Answer Key 59 – 64
 REDOX REACTION

REDOX REACTION
REDOX REACTION (Oxidation-Reduction) :
Many Chemical reactions involved transfer of electrons from one chemical substance to another. These
electron-transfer reactions are termed as Oxidation-Reduction or Redox reactions.
OR
Those reactions which involves oxidation and reduction both simultaneously are known as oxidation and
reduction or Redox Reaction.
OR
Those reactionwhichinvolves increasein oxidationnumberanddecreaseinoxidation numbersimultaneously
are known as Oxidation & Reduction or Redox Reaction.
OXIDATION AND REDUCTION :
There are four concepts for oxidation and reduction reactions.
(A) Classical concept (B) Modern concept
(C) Valency concept (D) Oxidation number concept.
(A) Classical concept :- According to this concept, oxidation and reduction can be explained as:
(a) Oxidation :- Oxidation is a process which involves.
(i) Addition of Oxygen :
Ex. 2Mg + O2 2MgO (Oxidation of Magnesium)
C + O2  CO2 (Oxidation of Carbon)
Na2SO3 + H2O2  Na2SO4 + H2O (Oxidation of Sodium sulphite)
(ii) Removal of Hydrogen :
Ex. H2S + Cl2  2HCl + S (Oxidation of Hydrogen sulphide)
4HI + O2  2H2O + 2I2 (Oxidation of Hydrogen iodide)
(iii) Addition of Electronegative element :
Ex. Fe + S  FeS (Oxidation of iron)
SnCl2 + Cl2  SnCl4 (Oxidation of stannous chloride)
2FeCl2 + Cl2  2FeCl3 + 2H2O (Oxidation of ferric chloride)
(iv) Removal of Electropositive element :
Ex. 2NaI + H2O2 2NaOH + I2 (Oxidation of NaI)
2KI + Cl2 2KCl + I2 (Oxidation of KI)
2K2MnO4 + Cl2 2KCl + 2KMnO4 (Oxidation of Potassium magnate)
(v) Increment in oxidation state of Electropositive element :
Ex. SnCl2 + Cl2 SnCl4
Sn+2 Sn+4
(b) Reduction : Reduction is a process which involves
 REDOX REACTION
(i) Removal of Oxygen :
Ex. CuO + C Cu + CO (Reduction of cupric oxide)
CO + H2
H2O + C  (Reduction of water)
Water gas

Steam coke
Fe3O4 + 4H2 3Fe + 4H2O (Reduction of Fe3O4)
(ii) Addition of Hydrogen
Ex. N2 + 3H2 2NH3 (Reduction of Nitrogen)
Cl2 + H2 2HCl (Reduction of Chlorine)
S + H2  H2S (Reduction of Sulphur)
(iii) Removal of Electronegative element
Ex. 2HgCl2 + SnCl2  Hg2Cl2 + SnCl4 (Reduction of mercuric chloride)
2FeCl3 + H2  2FeCl2 + 2HCl (Reduction of ferric chloride)
(iv) Addition of Electropositive element
Ex. HgCl2 + Hg Hg2Cl2 (Reduction of mercuric chloride)
CuCl2 + Cu Cu2Cl2 (Reduction of cupric chloride)
2HgCl2 + SnCl2 Hg2Cl2 + SnCl4 (Reduction of mercuric chloride)
(v) Decrement in oxidation state of Electropositive element
Ex. CuSO4 + Fe  FeSO4 + Cu (Reduction of CuSO4)
Cu+2 Cu°
FeCl3 + H2S FeCl2 + 2HCl + S (Reduction of FeCl3)
Fe+3 Fe+2
(B) Modern concept or Electronic concept :-
(i) Oxidation : According to this concept the process which involves the loss of one or more
electrons from an atom or an ion or molecule is called oxidation (de-electronation).
Ex. M  M+n + ne–
Mg  Mg++ + 2e–
M n1  M 2 + (n2 – n1)e
n –

Fe++  Fe+++ + e–

(ferrous) (ferric)
A–n  A + ne–
2Cl–  Cl2 + 2e –
A  n1  A 2 + (n1 – n2) e–
n

[Fe(CN)6]4– [Fe(CN)6]3– + e–
(ii) Reduction :- According to this concept, the process which involves gain of one or more
electrons by an atom or ion or molecule is called reduction (electronation).
 REDOX REACTION

Ex. M n 2 + (n2 – n1)e– M n1

Sn+4 + 2e–  Sn++
(Stannic ion) (Stannous ion)
A + ne–  A–n
Cl + e–  Cl–
A  n1 + (n2 – n1) e–  A
 n2

MnO4– + e–  MnO4–2

[Fe(CN)6]3– + e– [Fe(CN)6]–4
(C) Valency concept of oxidation and reduction :
(i) Oxidation : According to this concept, it is the process in which increase in (+) ve valency or
decrease in (–) ve valency of a substance takes place called oxidation.
Ex. 2Mg + O2 2MgO
(0) (2)
(ii) Reduction :- According to this concept, the process in which (+) ve valency decreases
whereas (–) ve valency increases is called reduction.
Ex. 2HgCl2 + SnCl2 Hg2Cl2 + SnCl4
(+2) (+1)
(D) Oxidation number concept :-
(i) Oxidation : According to this concept, the oxidation no. of an element in a reaction increases
is called oxidation.
(ii) Reduction :- According to this concept, the oxidation no. of an element in a reaction is
decrease is called reduction.
Example : 6H+ + 2MnO4– + 5H2S  2Mn+2 + 5S + 8H2O
Mn+2 S –2 Mn+2 S°
Special Note :
Redox reaction involves two half reactions, one involving loss of electron called half oxidation
reaction and the other involving gain of electron called half reduction reaction.
–2e–
Oxidation
Ex. 2Hg +2 + Sn+2 Hg2+2 + Sn+4
–2e–
Reduction

OXIDISINGAGENT OR OXIDANT (O. A.)

It is the substance which accepts electrons in a chemical reaction i.e., electron acceptors are oxidising
agent.
(a) Oxidising agents are lewis acids.
(b) Substances which can oxidises others and reduces themselves.
 REDOX REACTION
(c) Substances which shows the decrement in oxidation number.
Some important oxidising agents or oxidant :-
(a) All high electronegative elements like N, O, F, Cl etc.
(b) All metallic oxides like Li2O, Na2O, Na2O2, CO2, CaO, MgO, BaO2 etc.
(c) Some nonmetallic oxides like CO2, SO2, H2O2, O3.
(d) All neutral compound or ion in which element shows their highest oxidaion no or state, will act as
oxidant or oxidising agent like KMnO4, H2SO4, SnCl4,H3PO4, K2Cr2O7, HClO4, CuCl2, HNO3,
H2SO5, FeCl3, HgCl2, etc.
Reducing agent or Reductant (R. A.)
The substance which donates electrons in a chemical reaction is called reducing agent i.e., electrons donor
are reducing agents.
(a) Reducting agents are lewis bases.
(b) Substances which can reduces other and oxidises themselves.
(c) Substances which show the increment in oxidation number.
Some important reducing agent or reductant :-
(a) All metals like, K, Mg, Ca, etc.
(b) All metallic hydrides like NaH, CaH2, LiAlH4, NaBH4,AlH3 etc.
(c) All hydroacids like HF, HCl, HBr, H2S, etc.
(d) Some organic compound likeAldehyde, formic acid, oxalic acid, tartaric acid.
(e) All neutral compounds or ions, in which element shows their lowest oxidation no. or state, will act as
reductant or reducing agent
MnO, HClO, HClO2, H3PO2, HNO2, H2SO3, FeCl2, SnCl2, Hg2Cl2, CH2Cl2 etc.
Some important compound which can acts as oxidant and reductant both :-
HNO2, SO2, H2O2, O3, Al2O3, CrO2, MnO2, ZnO, CuO
Note : Al2O3, CrO2, MnO2,ZnO, CuO are called as amphoteric oxide.
Question based on oxdiation and reduction :-
Q.1 Oxidation is defined as –
(1) Gain of electrons (2) Decreases in positive valency
(3) Loss of electrons (4) Decreases in negative valency
Q.2 Reduction is defined as –
(1) Increases in positive valency (2) Gain of electrons
(3) Loss of protons (4) Decreases in negative valency
Q.3 In the reaction MnO4– + SO3–2 + H+ SO4–2 + Mn2+ + H2O
(1) MnO4– and H+ both are reduced (2) MnO4– is reduced and H+ is oxidised
(3) MnO4– is reduced and SO32– is oxidised (4) MnO4– is oxidised and SO32– is reduced
 REDOX REACTION
–3
Q.4 The charge on cobalt in [Co(CN)6] is –
(1) –6 (2) –3 (3) +3 (4) +6
Q.5 Which of the following halogen always show only one oxidadion state –
(1) Cl (2) F (3) Br (4) I
Q.6 Which of the following reactions do not involved oxidation-reaction –
(1) 2Rb + 2H2O 2RbOH + H2
(2) 2CuI2 2CuI + I2
(3) NH4Cl + NaOH NaCl + NH3 + H3O
(4) 3KCN + Fe (CN)2  K4[Fe(CN)6]
Answer key : (1) 3 (2) 2 (3) 3 (4) 3 (5) 2 (6) 3
OXIDATION NUMBER
Definition :- It represents the number of electron gained or lost by atom when it changes in compound
from a free state.
OR
It is the charge developed on an atom when atom is in combination.
(a) If electron are gained by an atom in the formation of compound, oxidation number is given (–) ve
sign.
(b) If electron are loose by an atom in the formation of compound, oxidation number is given
(+) ve sign.
(c) It represents the real charge in case of ionic compounds and represents the imaginary charge in case
of covalent compounds.
(d) Maximum oxidation number of an element is equal to group number which be belongs in the periodic
table.
(e) Minimum oxidation number of an element is equal to (group number –8)
I Group elements always shows +1 as oxidation number
II Group elements always shows +2 as oxidation number
III Group elements always shows +3 oxidation number
IV Group shows –4 to +4 oxidation number
V Group shows –3 to +5 oxidation number
VI Group shows –2 to +6 oxidation number
VII Group shows –1 to +7 oxidation number (except F)
Inert gases always shows zero oxidation number
Oxidation number for Coordinate bond :-
(a) When coordinate bond is formed in between low electronegative element and high electronegative
element then the e– donor element show +2 oxidation number whereas e– acceptor element show –
 REDOX REACTION
2. Oxidation number In this type of bond or bonded compounds.
Electronegativity of acceptor > electronegativity of donor.
For example in H2SO4.
O

H O S O H

O
Here 'S' is low electronegative element than O therefore, oxidation number of S = +2 and oxidation
number of O = –2 (due to single dative bond).
(b) When coordinate bond is formed between the two same electronegative elements then the e– donor
element show +2 oxidation number where e– acceptor element show –2 oxidation number. In this
type of bond or bonded compound. Electronegativity of acceptor = electronegativity of donor.
For example : In Na2S2O3
–2
S

–1 +1 +2+1 –1
NaO S ONa
+2

O
–2

Here oxidation number of 'S' is +2. Because it is e– donor and the other 'S' is –2, Because it is
e– acceptor.(Due to dative bond)
(c) When coordinate bond is formed in between high electronegative element to low electronegative
element then there is no change in oxidation number will be shown by both the elements, which is
0 0
bonded by coordinate bond e.g. HCN. H+1 N
–1 C
–2 +2

OXIDATION STATE :
Oxidation state of an atom is defined as oxidation number per atom for all practical purposes. Oxidation
state is often expressed as oxidation number.
The rules to derive oxidation number or oxidation state :-
(a) The oxidation state of an element in its free state is zero. Example oxidation state of Na, Cu, I, Cl,
O etc. are zero.
(b) Sum of oxidation state of all the atoms in a neutral molecule is zero.
(c) Sum of oxidation state of all the atoms in a complex ion is equal to number of charge present on it.
(d) In complex compounds, oxidation state of some neutral molecules (ligands) is zero. Example CO,
NO, NH3, H2O.
(e) Generally oxidation state of Oxygen is –2 but in H2O2 it is –1 & in OF2 it is +2.
(f) Generally oxidation state of Hydrogen is +1 but in metallic hydrides it is –1.
(g) Generally oxidation state of Halogen atoms is –1 but in interhalogen compounds it changes.
(h) Generally oxidation state of alkali metals is +1 and that of alkaline earth metals is +2.
(i) Oxidation state of transition elements veries from compound to compound. Mn has oxidation state
from +1 to +7.
 REDOX REACTION

Mn2O +1, MnO +2, Mn3O4  + 8/3, MnO2 +4,

Mn2O5 +5, MnO4–2 +6, MnO4– +7.
(j) Oxidation state of an atom may be fractional, negative, zero as well as positive.
Special Note :- Some times same atom in a compound has different oxidation state for example, structures
of Na2S2O3 is
S2

Na — O — S1 — O — Na

O
Here S1 and S2 both are sulphur atoms but they have different oxidation state
Oxidation state of S1 = 6
Oxidation state of S2 = –2 (It is accepting two electrons from S1)
6 2
Average oxidation state of S  2
2
Oxidation State as a periodic property :-
Oxidation state of an atom depends upon the electronic configuration of an atom i.e. why it is periodic
properties.
(a) IAgroup of alkali metals show +1 oxidation state.
(b) IIAgroup or alkaline earth metals show +2 oxidation state
(c) The maximum normal oxidation state, show by IIIA group elements is +3. These elements also
show +2 to +1 oxidation states also.
(d) Elements of IVAgroup show their maximum and minimum oxidation states +4 and –4 respectively.
(e) Non metals shows number of oxidation states,the relation between maximum and minimum oxidation
states for non metals is equal to (maximum oxidation state – minimum oxidation state = 8).
For example sulphur has maximum oxidation number +6 as being in VIAgroup element.
Fractional Oxidation states :-
Most of elements show fractional oxidation states. For example oxidation state of oxygen in superoxides
of alkali metals (KO2, SO2, RbO2) is –1/2.
e.g. In Fe3O4, Fe shows its oxidation state as 8/3 as it is a mixed oxide and can be written as FeII Fe2III O4.
Similarly oxidation states of Boron in B4O10 and B5H9 is –2.5 and –1.8 respectively.
Formal charge :
Formula for the formal charge of an atom in a compound
Group number in periodic table
Number + Number of
Formal charge = or
– of bonds unshared electrons
number of e in outer most orbital

e.g. formal charge on N in NH3

 REDOX REACTION
..
H N H = 5 – (3 + 2) = 0
H
Example : Calculate the formal charge on each oxygen atom is SO3.
Solution : Structure of SO3 or Dot structure of SO3 is .. .. ..
O .. S

..
..
.. O
..
O = S O ..
1 

..
..
2 O
..
O
3
Formal charge on O1 = 6 – (2 + 4) = 0
Formal charge on O2 = 6 – (1 + 6) = –1
Formal charge on O3 = 6 – (1 + 6) = –1
Formal charge on S = 6 – (4 + 0) = +2

Examples based on Oxidation Number and Oxidation states :

Ex. Oxidation number of cobalt in [Co(NH3)6] Cl2Br is –
(1) +6 (2) Zero (3) +3 (4) +2
Ans. (3)
Sol. Let the oxidation number of Co be x
Oxidation number of NH3 is zero
Oxidation number of Cl is –1
Oxidation number of Br is –1
Hence, x + 6 (0) – 1 × 2 – 1 = 0
 x = +3
So, the oxidation number of corbalt in the given complex compound is +3.

Ex. The order of increasing oxidation number of S in S8, S2O8–2, S2O3–2, S4O6–2 is given below –
(1) S8 < S2O8–2 < S2O3–2 < S4O6–2 (2) S2O8–2 < S2O3–2 < S4O6–2 < S8.
(3) S2O8–2 < S8 < S4O6–2 < S2O3–2 (4) S8 < S2O3–2 < S4O6–2 < S2O8–2
Ans. (4)
Sol. The oxidation number of S are shown below along with the compounds
S 8 S2O8–2, S2O3–2, S 4O8–2
0 +7 +2 +2.5
Hence the order of increasing of oxidation number of S is –
S8 < S2O3–2 < S4O6–2 < S2O8–2

Ex. The oxidation number of Cl in NOClO4 is –

(1) +11 (2) +9 (3) +7 (4) +5
Ans. (3)
 REDOX REACTION
Sol. The compound may be written as NO+ ClO4–.
For ClO4–, Let oxidation number of Cl = a
a + 4 × (–2) = –1
a = +7
Hence, the oxidations number of Cl in NOClO4 is + 7

Ex. The two possible oxidation numbers of N atoms in NH4NO3 are respectively –
(1) +3, +5 (2) +3, –5 (3) –3, +5 (4) –3, –5
Ans. (3)
Sol. There are two N atoms in NH4NO3, but one N atom has negative oxidation number (attached to H) and
the other has positive oxidation number (attached to O). Therefore evaluation should be made separately
as –
oxidation number of N is NH4+ Oxidation number of N in NO3–
a + 4 × (+1) = +1 and a + 3 (–2) = 1
 a = –3  a=+5
Here the two oxidation number are –3– and +5 respectively.

Ex. The oxidation number of S in H2S2O8 is –

(1) +8 (2) –8 (3) +6 (4) +4
Ans. (3)
Sol. In H2S2O8, two O atoms form peroxide linkage i.e.
O O
 
H – O – S – O – O –S – O – H
 
O O
2 × 1 + 2a + 6 (–2–) + 2 (–1) = 0
 a = +6
Thus the oxidation number of S in H2S2O8 is +6
Ex. The oxidation number of S in (CH3)2 SO is –
(1) 1 (2) 2 (3) 0 (4) 3
Ans. (3)
Sol. Let the oxidation number of S is 'a'
Oxidation number of CH3 = +1
Oxidation number of O = –2
2 (+1) + a + (–2) = 0
a=0
Hence the oxidation no of S in Dimethyl sulphoxide is zero.
 REDOX REACTION
Questions based on Oxidation Number and Oxidation state :
Q.1 In which of the following compounds, the oxidation state of I-atom is highest –
(1) KI3 (2) KIO4 (3) KIO3 (4) IF5
Q.2 The oxidation number of phosphorus in Ba(H2PO2)2 is –
(1) +3 (2) +2 (3) +1 (4) –1
Q.3 Oxidation number of Ni in Ni(CO)4 is –
(1) 0 (2) 4 (3) 8 (4) 2
Q.4 H2O2 + H2O2 2H2O + O2 is an example of dispropotionation because –
(1) Oxidation number of oxygen only decreases
(2) Oxidation number of oxygen only increases
(3) Oxidation number of oxygen decreases as well as increase
(4) Oxidation number of oxygen neither decreases nor increases
Q.5 Positive oxidation state of an element indicates that it is –
(1) Is in elementry form (2) Oxidised
(3) Reduced (4) Does not changed.
Q.6 Predict the highest and lowest oxidation state of (a) Ti and (b) Tl –
(1) a[0, +3] b[0, +2] (2) a[+3, 0] b[+4, 0]
(3) a[+4, 0] b[+4, 0] (4) a[+4. +2] b[+3, +1]
Q.7 The oxidation state of oxygen atom in potassium superoxide is –
(1) Zero (2) –1/2 (3) –1 (4) –2
Answer key : (1) 2 (2) 3 (3) 1 (4) 3 (5) 2 (6) 3 (7) 2

Application of Oxidation number :

(1) To compare the strength of acid and base :-
Strength of acid  Oxidation Number
1
Strength of base  Oxidation Number
Example :
Order of acidic strength in HClO, HClO2, HClO3, HClO4 will be.
Sol. Oxidation Number of chlorine
HClO (Hypo chlorus acid) +1
HClO2 (Chlorous acid) +3
HClO3 (Chloric acid) +5
HClO4 (Perchloric acid) +7
 Strength of acid  Oxidation Number
So the order will be : HClO4 > HClO3 > HClO2 > HClO
 REDOX REACTION
(2) To determine the oxidising and reducing nature :-
Group Range of Oxidation Number
(n – 8) to n
IA +1
II A +2
III A +1, +3
IV A –4 to + 4
VA –3– to +5
VI A –2 to +6
[Exception Maximum Oxidation Number of Oxygen is 2]
VII A –1 to +7
[Exception  Oxidation of F is –1]
 If anycompound is in maximum oxidation state (n), then it will act as only oxidant.
 If, compound is in minimum oxidation state (n – 8) then it will act as only reductant.
 If oxidation state is intermediate then compound can act as reductant as well as oxidant both.
Ex. 1. Oxidation number of S in H2S = –2 (min)
So act as reducant.
2. Oxidation number of N in HNO2 = +3
So act as reductant as well as oxidant both.
 Oxidisingstrength  Oxidation Number

1
 Reducing strength  Oxidation Number

(3) To calculate the equivalent weight :

Equivalent weights of oxidising and reducing agents.
The equivalent weight of an oxidising agent is that weight which accepts one mole electron in a
chemical reaction.

Molecular weight
(a) Equivalent weight of an oxidant (get reduced) = Number of electrons gained by one mole

Ex. In acidic medium

6e– + Cr2O72– + 14H+ 2Cr3+ + 7H2O
Here atoms which undergoes reduction is Cr its oxidation state is decreasing from +6 to +3
Molecular weight of K 2 Cr2 O 7 Molecular weight
Equivalent weight of K2Cr2O7 = 
3 2 6

Note :- [6 in denominator indicates that 6 electrons were gained by Cr2O72– as it is clear from
the given balanced equation]
 REDOX REACTION

Molecular weight
(b) Similarly equivalent weight of a reducant (gets oxidised) = Number of electrons lost by one mole

Ex. In acidic medium,

C2O42– 2CO2 + 2e–
Here, Total electrons lost = 2 So, equivalent weight = Molecular weight
2
(c) In different condition a compound may have different equivalent wts. Because, it depends upon the
number of electrons gained or lost by that compound in that reaction.
Ex. (i) MnO4–  Mn2+ (acidic medium)
(+7) (+2)
Here 5 electrons are taken so equivalent weight
Molecular weight of KMnO 4 158
= = = 31.6
5 5
(ii) MnO4–  Mn+2 (neutral medium)
(+7) (+2)
Here, only 3 electrons are gained, so equivalent weight
Molecular weight of KMnO 4 158
= = = 52.7
3 3
(iii) MnO4–  MnO4–2 (alkaline medium)
(+7) (+6)
Here, only one electron is gained, so equivalent weight
Molecular weight of KMnO 4
= = 158
1
Note :- It is important to note that KMnO4 acts as an oxidant in every medium although with
different strength which follows the order –
acidic medium > neutral medium > alkaline medium
while, K2Cr2O7 acts as an oxidant only in acidic medium as follows
Cr2O72–  2Cr3+
(2 × 6)  (2 × 3)
Here, 6 electrons are gained so equivalent weight
Molecular weight of K 2 Cr2 O 7 294.21
= = = 49.03
6 6
(d) It is clear that KMnO4 is better oxidant than K2Cr2O7.
The equivalent weight of a reducing agent is the weight which donates one electron in a chemical
reaction .
Ex. 2S2O3– –  S4O6– – + e–
(R. A.)
2M
equivalent weight of S2O3– – = =M
2
 REDOX REACTION
Questions based on Equivalent weight :
Q.1 Molecular weight of KMnO4 in acidic medium and neutral medium will be respecitvely –
(1) 7 × equivalent weight and 2 × equivalent weight
(2) 5 × equivalent weight and 4 × equivalent weight
(3) 4 × equivalent weight and 5 × equivalent weight
(2) 2 × equivalent weight and 4 × equivalent weight
Q.2 Equivalent weight of H3PO4 in each of the reaction will be respectively –
H3PO4 + OH– H2PO4– + H2O
H3PO4 + 2OH– HPO42– + 2H2O
H3PO4 + 3OH– PO43– + 3H2O
(1) 98, 49, 32.67 (2) 49, 98, 32.67 (3) 98, 32.67, 49 (4) 32.67, 49, 98
Q.3 In acidic medium, equivalent weight of K2Cr2O7 (Molecular weight = M) is –
(1) M/3 (2) M/4 (3) M/6 (4) M/2
Answer key : (1) 2 (2) 1 (3) 3

(4) To determine the molecular formula of compound :

Example
Suppose that there are three atoms A, B, C and their oxidation number are 6, –1, –2, respectively.
Then the molecular formula of compound will be.
Sol. Since, the charge on a free compound is zero. So
+6 = (–1 × 4) + (–2)
+6 = –6
or +6 = (–1 × 2) + (–2 × 2)
= –2 + (–4) = –6
So molecular formula, AB4C orAB2C2.

Special points :
 When metals participate in chemical reaction, theyare always oxidised. Thus metals always behave
like reducing agents.
 The acidic nature of non-metal oxide increases with increasing oxidation state of the non-metal.
 The strength of oxy-acid of an element increases with increasing oxidation state of the element.
Strength of oxy-acids of nitrogen increases in the following order.
+1 +3 +5
H 2N 2O 2 < HNO2 < HNO3
Hyponitrous acid Nitrous acid Nitric acid
(weakest acid) (strongest acid)
 An element in its lowest state in its compound behave like a reducing agent only.
 Metals exist in mixed oxidation states in non-stoichiometric compounds.
 REDOX REACTION
For example : Oxidation state of Fe in Fe0.94 O is +2 and +3
 The oxid ation state of iron in ferro compounds is +2 while in ferric compounds, it is in +3 oxidation
state.
 The formula of the anhydride of an oxy-acid of an element can be calculated as follows :
Oxy-acid Acid-anhydride
+1
H ClO 1 2
Cl O

Cl2O
Oxy-acid Acid anhydride
H+1 NO2 3 2
N O

NO
2 3

REDOX REACTIONS
(a) The reactions in which oxidation and reduction both occur simultaneouslyare called redox reactions.
(b) Most of the chemical reactions are redox because if one element is there to lose electrons, other
element has to be there to accept them.
(c) Any redox reaction may be divided in two parts.
(i) Oxidation half reaction.
(ii) Reduction half reaction.
Now, we will study some reaction.

S. No. Reaction Oxidant Reductant

(Getting Reduced) (Getting Oxidised)
1. C + O2  CO2 O [0 –2] C [0 +4]
2. PbS + 4H2O2  PbSO4 + 4H2O O [–1 –2] S [–2 +6]
3. Sn + 2F2  SnF4 F [0 –1] Sn [0 +4]
4. SO2 + 2H2O + Cl2  2HCl + H2SO4 Cl [0 –1] S[+4 +6]
5. I2 + 10HNO3  2HIO3 + 10NO2 + 4H2O N [+5 +4] I [0 +5]
6. CuO + H2  Cu + H2O Cu [+2 0] H [0 +1]
7. 2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 + 5H2S 
K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 8H2O + 5S Mn [+7 +2] S [–2 0]
8. H2O2 + Ag2O  2Ag + H2O + O2
(Oxygen of H2O2) Ag [+1 0] O [–1 0]
9. H2SO4 + 2HI  SO2 + I2 + 2H2O S [+6 +4] I [–1 0]

Note :- In reaction 2 oxygens of ozone have different oxidation state.

 REDOX REACTION
Structure of Ozone is
O3 O1 = O2
Oxidation state of O1 = +2
Oxidation state of O2 = 0
Oxidation state of O3 = –2
Types of Redox reaction :-
(a) Intermolecular redox reaction :- When oxidation and reduction take place separately in the
different compounds, called intermolecular redox reaction.
SnCl2 + 2FeCl3  SnCl4 + 2FeCl2
Sn+2  Sn+4 (Oxidation)
Fe+3  Fe+2 (Reduction)
(b) Intra molecular redox reaction :- During the chemical reaction, if oxidation and reduction take
place in single compound then reaction is called intramolecular redox reaction.
2KClO3 KCl + 3O2
+5 –2 –1
Cl O Cl O°
Oxidation
Reduction

(c) Disproportionation reaction :- When reduction and oxidation takes place on same element of a
compound is called disproportionation reaction.
H2O2 H2O + 1/ 2 O2
–1 –2
O O O°
Reduction
Oxidation

Question based on redox reaction

Q.1 The fast reaction between water and sodium is the example is –
(1) Oxidation (2) Reduction (3) Redox (4) none
Q.2 Choose the redox reaction from the following –
(1) Cu + 2H2SO4  CuSO4 + SO2 + 2H2O
(2) BaCl2 + H2SO4  BaSO4 + 2HCl
(3) Zn + H2SO4  ZnSO4 + H2
(4) KNO3 + H2SO4  2HNO3 + K2SO4
correct answer is –
Q.3 Which of the following not a redox reaction –
(1) MnO4–  MnO2 (2) Cl2 + H2O  HCl + HClO
(3) 2CrO42– + 2H+  Cr2O72– + H2O (4) MnO4– + 8H+ + 5Ag  Mg+2 + 4H2O
 REDOX REACTION
Q.4 In the reaction 6Li + N2  2Li3N
(1) Li undergoes reduction (2) Li undergoes oxidation
(3) N undergoes oxidation (4) None of these
Answer key : (1) 3 (2) 1, 3 (3) 3 (4) 2

Balancing of redox equation :-

(a) Oxidation number change method.
(b) Ion electron method.
(a) Oxidation number change method :-
This method was given by Jonson. In a balanced redox reaction, total increase in oxidation number
must beequal to total decreases in oxidation number.This equivalence provides the basis for balancing
redox reactions.
The general procedure involves the following steps :-
(i) Select the atom in oxidising agent whose oxidation number decreases and indicate the gain of
electrons.
(ii) Select the atom in reducing agent whose oxidation number increases and write the loss of
electrons.
(iii) Now cross multiplyi.e.multiplyoxidising agent bythe number of loss of electrons and reducing
agent by number of gain of electrons.
(iv) Balance the number of atoms on both sides whose oxidation numbers change in the reaction.
(v) In order to balance oxygen atoms, add H2O molecules to the side deficient in oxygen. Then
balance the number of H atoms by adding H+ ions in the hydrogen.
Example
Ex. Balance the following reaction by the oxidation number method –
Cu + HNO3  Cu(NO3)2 + NO2 + H2O
Sol. Write the oxidation number of all the atoms.
0 +1+5+2 +2+5–2 +4 –2 +1 –2
Cu + HNO3  Cu(NO3)2 + NO 2 + H2O
There is change in oxidation number of Cu and N.
0 +2+5–2
Cu  Cu(NO3)2 ..........................(1) (Oxidation number of Cu is increased by 2)

+5 +4
HNO3  NO2 ..........................(2) (Oxidation number of N is decreased by 1)
To make increase and decrease equal, eq. (2) is multiplied by 2.
Cu + 2HNO3  Cu(NO3)2 + 2NO2 + H2O
 REDOX REACTION
Balancing nitrates ions, hydrogen and oxygen, the following equation is obtained.
Cu + 4HNO3  Cu(NO3)2 + 2NO2 + 2H2O
This is the balanced equation.
Ex. Balance the following reaction by the oxidation number method –
MnO4– + Fe+2  Mn+2 + Fe+3
Sol. Write the oxidation number of all the atoms.
+7 –2
MnO4– + Fe+2  Mn+2 + Fe+3
change in oxidation number has occured in Mn and Fe.
+7 +2
MnO4–  Mn+2 ..........................(1) (Decrement in oxidation number by 5)
Fe  Fe
+2 +3
..........................(2) (Increment in oxidation number by 1)
To make increase and decrease equal, eq. (2) is multiplied by 5.
MnO4– + 5Fe+2  Mn+2 + 5Fe+3
To balance oxygen, 4H2O are added to R.H.S. and to balance hydrogen, 8H+ are added to L.H.S.
MnO4– + 5Fe+2 + 8H+  Mn+2 + 5Fe+3 + 4H2O
This is the balanced equation.

(b) Ion-Electron method :-

This method was given by Jette and La mav in 1972.
The following steps are followed while balancing redox reaction (equations) by this method.
(i) Write the equation in ionic form.
(ii) Split the redox equation into two half reactions, one representing oxidation and the other
representing reduction.
(iii) Balance these half reactions separately and then add by multiplying with suitable coefficients
so that the electrons are cancelled. Balancing is done as follows.
(iv) Add both half reaction and then balance the atoms other 'O' and 'H'.
(v) Then balance oxygen atoms by adding H2O molecules to the side deficient in oxygen. The
number of H2O molecules added is equal to the deficiency of oxygen atgms.
(vi) Balance hydrogen atoms by adding H+ ions equal to the deficiency in the side which is the
deficient in hydrogen atoms.
(vii) If the medium of reaction is basic, OH– ions are added to both sides of balanced equation
equal in number of H+ in balanced equation.
(viii) Balance the charge by electrons to the side which is rich in +ve charges. i.e. deficiency in
electrons. Number of electrons added is equal to the deficiency.
(ix) Multiply the half equations with suitable coefficients to equalize the number of electrons.
(x) Add these half equations to get an equation which is balanced with respect ot charge and
atoms.
 REDOX REACTION
Ex. (A) Acidic Medium :-
(a) Cr2O72– + C2O42– Cr3+ + CO2
(b) Write both the half reaction.
Cr2O72– Cr3+ (Reduction half reaction)
C2O42–  CO2 (Oxidation half reaction)
(c) Atoms other than H and O are balanced.
Cr2O72– 2Cr3+
C2O42–  2CO2
(d) Balance O-atoms by the addition of H2O to another side
Cr2O72– 2Cr3+ + 7H2O
C2O42–  2CO2
(e) Balance H-atoms by the addition of H+ to another side
Cr2O72– + 14 H+ 2Cr3+ + 7H2O
C2O42–  2CO2
(f) Now, balance the charge by the addition of electron (e–).
Cr2O72– + 14 H+ + 6e– 2Cr3+ + 7H2O
C2O42– 2CO2 + 2e–
(g) Multiply equations by a constant to get the same number of electrons on both side. In the
above case second equation is multiplied by 3 and then added to first equation.
Cr2O72– + 14 H+ + 6e– 2Cr3+ + 7H2O
3C2O42– 6CO2 + 6e–
Cr2O72– + 3C2O42– + 14 H+ 2Cr3+ + 6CO2 + 7H2O
(B) Alkaline Medium :-
(a) Consider the reaction

Cr(OH)3 + IO3–   OH
 I– + CrO42–
(b) Separate the two half reactions.
Cr(OH)3  CrO42– (Oxidation half reaction)
IO3  I
– –
(Reduction half reaction)
(c) Balance O-atoms by adding H2O.
H2O + Cr(OH)3  CrO42–
IO3–  I– + 3H2O
(d) Balance H-atoms by adding H2O to side having deficiency and an equal number of OH– ions
to the other side ( medium is known)
5OH– + H2O + Cr(OH)3  CrO42– + 5OH–
or 5OH– + Cr(OH)3  CrO42– + 4H2O
IO3– + 6H2O  I– + 3H2O + 6OH–
or IO3– + 3H2O  I– + 6OH–
 REDOX REACTION
(e) Balance the charges by electrons
5OH– + Cr(OH)3  CrO42– + 4H2O + 3e–
IO3– + 6H2O + 6e–  I– +3H2O + 6OH–
(f) Multiply first equation by 2 and add to second to give
10OH– + 2Cr(OH)3  2CrO42– + 8H2O + 6e–
IO3– + 6H2O + 6e–  I– + 3H2O + 6OH–

4OH– + 2Cr(OH)3 + IO3–  5H2O + 2CrO42– + I–

Examples based on balancing of equations :-

Ex. What will be the value of x, y and z in the following equation.
H2C2O4 + xH2O2  yCO2 + zH2O
(1) 2, 1, 2 (2) 1, 2, 2 (3) 2, 2, 1 (4) None
Ans. (2)
Sol. (i) The half reaction for oxidation is,
H2C2O4 + xH2O  yCO2 + zH2O
Balancing carbon atoms on both sides,
H2C2O4  2CO2
Balancing hydrogen atoms on both sides,
H2C2O4  2CO2 + 2H+
Balancing the charge on both sides,
H2C2O4  2CO2 + 2H+ + 2e– (balanced)
(ii) The half reaction for reduction is,
H2O2  H2O
Balancing oxygen atoms on both sides,
H2O2  2H2O
Balancing hydrogen atoms,
H2O2 + 2H+  2H2O
Balancing the charge,
H2O2 + 2H+ + 2e–  2H2O (balanced)
Now, adding both equation,
H2C2O4 + H2O2  2CO2 + 2H2O
 REDOX REACTION
Ex. Which will be the value of x, y and z in the following equation.
xI2 + yOH–  IO3– + zI + 3H2O
(1) 3, 5, 6 (2) 5, 6, 3 (3) 3, 6, 5 (4) 6, 3, 5
Ans. (3)
Sol. 0 +5
I2  IO3 .......................... (i) Oxidation
0 –1
I1  I- ...........................(ii) Reduction
Balancing atoms of iodine on both sides, we get,

I2  2IO 3–

or I2 + 12 OH–  2IO 3– + 6H2O

Balancing charge,

I2 + 12OH–  2IO 3– + 6H2O + 10e–

I2  2I
–

and (I2+ 2e– 2I–) × 5

adding 6I2 + 12 OH–  2IO 3– + 10I– + 6H2O

or, 3I2 + 6OH–  IO 3– + 5I– + 3H2O

Ex. What will be the value of a, b, c, d e, and f in the following equation –

aMnO4– + bC2O4– – + cH+  dMn++ + eCO2 + fH2O
(1) 2, 2, 10, 8, 5, 16 (2) 2, 5, 16, 2, 10, 8
(3) 2, 5, 10, 2, 8 (4) 2, 8, 16, 2, 5, 10
Ans. (2)
Sol. (i) The half reaction for reduction is,
MnO4–  Mn++
Balancing with respect to oxygen by adding 4H2O on R. H. S.
MnO4–  Mn++ + 4H2O
Balancing with respect to hydrogen by adding 8H+ on L. H. S.
MnO4– + 8H+  Mn++ + 4H2O
Balancing charge by adding electrons.
MnO4– + 8H+ + 5e–  Mn++ + 4H2O
(ii) The half reaction for oxidation is,
C2O4– –  2CO2
 REDOX REACTION
Balancing with respect to electrical charge by adding electrons on R.H. S.
C2O4– –  2CO2 + 2e–
Now, to equalise the number of electrons, the reduction half reaction is multiplied by2 and oxidation
half reaction by 5, so on adding, we get
(C2O4– –  2CO2 + 2e–) × 5
(MnO4– + 8H+  Mn++ + 4H2O) × 5

2MnO4– + 5C2O4– – + 16H+  2Mn++ + 10CO2 + 8H2O

This is the balanced equation.

Question based on redox reaction :

Q.1 In the half reaction : 2ClO3–  Cl2
(1) 5 electrons are gained (2) 5 electrons are liberated
(2) 10 electrons are gained (4) 10 electrons are liberated

Q.2 The standard reduction potential at 25°C for the following half reactions are given against each –
Zn+2 (aq) + 2e Zn(s), –0.76 volt.
Cr+3 (aq) + 3e  Cr(s), –0.74 volt.
2H+ (aq) + 2e  H2(g), +0.0 volt.
Fe+3 (aq) + e Fe+2(aq), +0.77 volt.
Which is the strongest reducing agent ?
(1) Zn (s) (2) Cr (s) (3) H2 (g) (4) Fe+2 (aq)

Q.3 The number of electrons required to balance the following equation –

NO3– + 4H+ + e–  2H2O + NO is –
(1) 5 (2) 4 (3) 4 (4) 2

Q.4 Which of the following equations is a balanced one –

(1) 5BiO3– + 22H+ + Mn2+  5Bi3+ + 7H2O + MnO4–
(1) 5BiO3– + 14H+ + 2Mn2+  5Bi3+ + 7H2O + 2MnO4–
(1) 2BiO3– + 4H+ + Mn2+  2Bi3+ + 2H2O + MnO4–
(1) 6BiO3– + 12H+ + 3Mn2+  6Bi3+ + 6H2O + 3MnO4–
Answer key : (1) 3 (2) 1 (3) 3 (4) 2
 REDOX REACTION
Example
Ex. Balance the following redox reaction :
FeSO4 + KMnO4 + H2SO4  Fe2(SO4)3 + MnSO4 + H2O + K2SO4
Sol. Step– Assign the oxidation number to each element present in the reaction.
 2  6 2 1  7 – 2 1 6 2 3 6 2 2 6 2 1 2
Fe S O 4 + K MnO 4 + H 2 S O 4  Fe2 (S O 4 )3 + Mn S O 4 + H 2 O
Step  :
Now convert the reaction in Ionic form by eliminating the elements or species, which are not
undergoing either oxidation or reduction.
7
Fe2+ + Mn O 4  Fe3+ + Mn2+
Step  :
Now identify the oxidation / reduction occuring in the reaction

Step V : Spilt the Ionic reaction in two half, one for oxidation and other for reduction.
Fe2+    Fe3+ MnO 4  
oxidation
  Mn 2 
Re duction

Step V :
Balance the atom other than oxygen and hydrogen atom in both half reactions

Fe2+  Fe3+ MnO4 –  Mn2+

Fe & Mn atoms are balanced on both side.

Step V :
Now balance O & H atom by H2O & H+ respectively by the following way : For one excess
oxygen atom, add one H2O on the other side and two H+ on the same side.
Fe2+  Fe3+ (no oxygen atom ) .................(i)
8H+ + MnO4–  Mn2+ + 4H2O ................(ii)
Step V :
Equation (i) & (ii) are balanced atomwise. Now balance both equations chargewise. To balance
the charge, add electrons to the electrically positive side.
oxidation
Fe2+    Fe3+ + e– ............(1)
Re
5e– + 8H+ + MnO4–  duction
  Mn + 4H2O
2+
............(2)
Step V :
The number of electrons gained and lost in each half -reaction are equalised bymultiplying both
the half reactions with a suitable factor and finally the half reactions are added to give the overall
balanced reaction.
Here, we multiply equation (1) by 5 and (2) by 1 and add them :
 REDOX REACTION
Fe2+  Fe3+ + e– ..........(1) × 5

5e  8H  MnO 4  Mn 2  4H2O .........( 2)  1
 


5Fe 2   8H  MnO 4  5Fe 3   Mn 2  4H2O


(Here, at his stage, you will get balanced redox reaction in Ionic form)
Step X :
Now convert the Ionic reaction into molecular form by adding the elements or species, which
are removed in step (2).
Now, bysome manipulation, you will get :
5 1
5 FeSO4 + KMnO4 + 4H2SO4  2
Fe2 (SO4)3 + MnSO4 + 4H2O + 2
K2SO4
OR
10FeSO4 + 2KMnO4 + 8H2SO4  5Fe2(SO4)3 + 2MnSO4 + 8H2O + K2SO4.

Balancing in basic medium :

In this case, except step VI, all the steps are same. We can understand it by the following
example:
Example
Ex. Balance the following redox reaction in basic medium :
ClO– + CrO2– + OH–  Cl– + CrO42– + H2O
Sol. By using upto step V, we will get :
1 3 6
Cl O     Cl –
Re duction
Cr O 2    Cr O 24
Oxidation

Now, students are advised to follow step VI to balance ‘O’and ‘H’ atom.
2H+ + ClO–  Cl– + H2O | 2H2O+ CrO2–  CrO42– + 4H+
Now, since we are balancing in basic medium, therefore add as many as OH– on both side of equation
as there are H+ ions in the equation.
2OH– + 2H+ + ClO–  Cl– + H2O +2OH– 4OH– + 2H2O + CrO2–  CrO42– + 4H+ + 4OH–
Finallyyou will get Finallyyou will get
H2O + ClO  Cl + 2OH ...........(i) 4OH + CrO2–  CrO42– + 2H2O ........... (ii)
– – – –

Now see equation (i) and (ii) in which O and H atoms are balanced by OH– and H2O
Now from step VIII
2e– + H2O + ClO–  Cl– + 2OH– ............. (i) ×3
–
4OH + CrO2 –  CrO + 2H O + 3e
2– –
............. (ii) ×2
4 2
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Adding : 3ClO– + 2CrO2– + 2OH–  3Cl– + 2CrO42– + H2O
 REDOX REACTION
CONCEPT OFEQUIVALENTS
Equivalent mass of element
Number of parts by mass of an element which reacts or displaces from a compound 1.008 parts by
mass of hydrogen, 8 parts by mass of oxygen and 35.5 parts by mass of chlorine, is known as the
equivalent weight of that element.
e.g. 2Mg + O2  2MgO
48g 32g
12g 8g
 32 g of O2 reacts with 48 g of Mg
48  8
 8 g of O2 = = 12 g
32
 Equivalent weight of Mg = 12
Similarly, Zn + H2SO4  ZnSO4 + H2
65.5 g 32.75
65.5
 Equivalent weight of Zn = = 32.75 g
2
3
Al + Cl  AlCl3
2 2
3
27 g × 71 g
2
 111.5 g chlorine reacts with 27 g of Al.
27  35.5
 35.5 chlorine reacts with = 9.0 g of Al
111 .5
27
 Equivalent weight of aluminium = = 9.0
3
As we can see from the above examples that equivalent weight is the ratio of atomic weight and a
factor (say n-factor or valency factor) which is in above three cases is their respective valencies.
Equivalent weight (E) :
Atomic weight or Molecular weight Mol. wt. M
In general,Eq. wt. (E) =  
valency factor ( v.f ) n  factor x

mass of species
Number of Equivalents = eq. wt. of that species
For a solution, Number of equivalents = N1V1, where N is the normality and V is the volume in
litres

 Equivalent mass is a pure number which, when expressed in gram, is called gram equivalent
mass.
 The equivalent mass of substance may have different values under different conditions.
 There in no hard and fast rule that equivalent weight will be always less than the molecular
mass.
 REDOX REACTION
Valency factor calculation :
 For Elements :
Valency factor = valency of the element.
 ForAcids :
Valency factor = number of replaceable H+ ions per acid molecule
Example

Ex. HCl , H2SO4 H3PO4 H3PO3

{see there are only two replaceable H+ions}

Sol. Valency factor  1 2 3 2
(assume 100% dissicoiation)
M M M M
Eq. wt. (E) 
1 2 3 2
Replaceable hydrogen atoms are those hydrogen atoms which are attached with the atoms of group VI
and group VII i.e. O,S,Se,Te, & F, Cl ,Br ,I.

For Bases :
Valency factor = number of replacable OH– ions per base molecule.
Example

Ex. NaOH, KOH

Sol. v .f.  1 1
M M
Eq. wt. 
1 1
Bases may be defined as the substances in which OH group is/are directly attached with group
I elements (Li,Na, K,Rb,Cs), group II elements (Be, Mg,Ca,Ba ) or group III elements (Al,
Ga,In,Tl), transition metals, non-metallic cations like PH4+ , NH4+ etc.
Acid - base reaction :
In case of acid base reaction, the valence factor is the actual number of H+ or OH– replaced in
the reaction. The acid or base may contain more number of replaceble H+ or OH– than actually
replaced in reaction.
v. f. for base is the number of H+ ion from the acid replaced by each molecule of the base

Example

Ex. 2NaOH + H2 SO4  Na2 SO4 + 2H2O

Base Acid
Sol. Valency factor of base = 1
Here, two molecule of NaOH replaced 2H+ ion from the H2 SO4.
Therefore, each molecule of NaOH replaced only one H+ ion of acid, so v.f. = 1.
v. f. for acid is the number of OH– replaced from the base by each molecule of acid
 REDOX REACTION
Example

Ex. NaOH + H2SO4  NaHSO4 + H2O

Base Acid
Sol. Valency factor of acid = 1
Here, one of molecule of H2SO4 replaced one OH– from NaOH. Therefore, valency factor for
H2SO4 is one
Mol.wt
 Eq. wt. of H2SO4 =
1

Salts :
(a) In non-reacting condition
Valency factor = Total number of positive charge or negative charge present in the compound.
Example

Ex. Na2 CO3 , Fe2(SO4)3 FeSO4.7H2O

Sol. V.f. 2 2×3 = 6 2

M M M
Eq.wt.
2 6 2

Note : In case of hydrated salt, positive/negative charge of water molecule is not counted.

(b) In reacting condition

Example

Ex. Na2 CO3 + HCl  NaHCO3 + NaCl

Base Acid
Sol.. It is an acid base reaction, therefore valency factor for Na2CO3 is one while in non-reacting condition, it
will be two.

(c) Equivalent weight of oxidising / reducing agents in a redox reaction

In case of redox change , v.f. = Total change in oxidation number per molecule .
Example
Ex. KMnO4 + H2O2  Mn2+ + O2
Sol. Mn in KMnO4 is going from +7 to +2 , so change in oxidation number per molecule of KMnO4 is 5.
M
So the valency factor of KMnO4 is 5 and equivalent weight is 5
.
 REDOX REACTION
NORMALITY :

Normality of a solution is defined as the number of equivalents of solute present in one litre (1000 mL)
solution.
Let V mLof a solution is prepared by dissolving W g of solute of equivalent weight E in water.
W
 Number of equivalents of solute = E
W
VmL of solution contain E
equivalents of solute
W  1000
 1000 mL solution will contain E  V equivalents of solute.

W  1000
 Normality (N) = E V

 Normality (N) = Molarity x Valency factor

N × V (in mL) = M × V (in mL) × n
or
 milliequivalents = millimoles × n
Example
Ex. Calculate the normality of a solution containing 15.8 g of KMnO4 in 50 mL acidic solution.
W  1000
Sol. Normality (N) =
E V
molar mass of KMnO 4
Here W = 15.8 g , V = 50 mL E= = 158/5 = 31.6
Valency factor
So, normality = 10 N
Ex. Calculate the normality of a solution containing 50 mL of 5 M solution of K2Cr2O7 in acidic medium.
Sol. Normality (N) = Molarity × valency factor
= 5 x 6 = 30 N

Law of Equivalence
The law states that one equivalent of an element combine with one equivalent of the other. In a chemical
reaction, equivalents and milli equivalents of reactants react in equal amount to give same number of
equivalents or milli equivalents of products separately.
Accordingly
(i) aA + bB  mM + nN
meq of A = meq of B = meq of M = m.eq. of N
(ii) In a compound MxNy
meq of MxNy = meq of M = meq of N
Example
Ex. Find the number of moles of KMnO4 needed to oxidise one mole Cu2S in acidic medium.
The reaction is KMnO4 + Cu2S  Mn2+ + Cu2+ + SO2
Sol. From law of equivalence,
equivalents of Cu2S = equivalents of KMnO4
 REDOX REACTION
moles of Cu2S × v.f. = moles of kMnO4 × v.f.
1 × 8 = moles of KMnO4 × 5  moles of KMnO4 = 8/5
( v.f. of Cu2S = 2 (2 – 1) + 1 (4 – (–2))) = 8 and v.f. of KMnO4 = 1 (7 –2) = 5)

Ex. The number of moles of oxalate ions oxidized by one mole of MnO4– ion in acidic medium are :
5 2 3 5
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2 5 5 3
Sol. Equivalents of C2O42– = equivalents of MnO4–
x(mole) × 2 = 1 × 5
( v.f. of C2O42– = 2 (4 – 3) = 2 and v.f. of MnO4– = 1 (7 – 2) = 5).
5
x= mole of C2O42– ions.
2

Ex. How many millilitres of 0.02 M KMnO4 solution would be required to exactly titrate 25 mL of 0.2 M
Fe(NO3)2 solution in acidic medium ?
Sol. Method -1 : Mole concept method
Starting with 25 mL of 0.2 M Fe2+, we can write :
Millimoles of Fe2+ = 25 x 0.2 ........(1)
and in volume V (in milliliters) of the KMnO4,
Millimoles of MnO4¯ = V (0.02) ........(2)
The balanced reaction is :
MnO4¯ + 5Fe2+ + 8H+  Mn2+ + 5Fe3+ + 4H2O
This requires that at the equivalent point,
m. moles of MnO 4– m.moles of Fe 2
=
1 5
V(0.02) ( 25 )(0.2)
  = (from (1) & (2))
1 5
 V = 50 mL.
Method -2 : Equivalent Method :
At the equivalence point,
milliequivalents of MnO4¯ = milliequivalents of Fe2+
M1 × vf1 × V1 = M2 × vf2 × V2
0.02 × 5 × V1 = 0.2 × 1 × 25 ( MnO4–  Mn2+ ; v.f. = 5, Fe2+  Fe3+ ; v.f. = 1)
 V1 = 50 mL.

TITRATIONS
Titration is a procedure for determining the concentration of a solution by allowing a carefully measured
volume to react with a standard solution of another substance, whose concentration is known.
Standard solution - It is a solution whose concentration is known and is taken in burette. It is also
called Titrant.
There are two type of titrants :
Primary titrants/standard - These reagents can be accurately weighed and their solutions are not to
be standardised before use.
Ex : Oxalic acid, K2Cr2O7, AgNO3, CuSO4, ferrous ammonium sulphate, hypo etc.
 REDOX REACTION
Secondary titrants/standard : These reagents cannot be accurately weighed and their solutions are to
be standardised before use.
Ex : NaOH, KOH, HCl, H2SO4, 2, KMnO4 etc.
Titrate : Solution consisting of substance to be estimated, generally taken in a beaker .
Equivalence point : It is the point when number of equivalents of titrant added becomes equal to
number of equivalents of titrate.
At equivalence point :
n1V1M1 = n2V2M2
Indicator :An auxiliarysubstance added for physical detection of completion of titration at equivalence
point. It generallyshow colour change on completion of titration.
Type of Titrations :
(i)Acid-base titrations (to be studided in Ionic equilibrium)
(ii) Redox Titrations
Some Common Redox Titrations
Table of Redox Titrations : (Excluding Iodometric / Iodimetric titrations)
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Estimation By titrating Reactions Relation*between
of with OA and RA
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
1. Fe2+
MnO ¯ 4
Fe 2+  
Fe + e 3+ –
5Fe  MnO ¯ 2+
4
– + –   2+ 2+
MnO + 8H + 5e
4
Mn + 4H O Eq. wt. of Fe = M/1
2

2. Fe2+ Cr2O72– Fe2+  Fe3+ + e– 6Fe2+  Cr2O72–

Cr2O72– + 14H+ + 6e–  2Cr3+ + 7H2O Eq.wt. of Cr2O72– = M/6
3. C 2O 42– MnO4¯ C2O42–  2CO2 + 2e– 5C2O42–  2MnO4¯
MnO4– + 8H+ + 5e–  Mn2+ + 4H2O Eq. wt. of C2O42– = M/2
4. H2O 2 MnO4¯ H2O2  2H+ + O2 + 2e– 5H2O2  2MnO4¯
– + –  2+
MnO4 + 8H + 5e Mn + 4H2O Eq.wt. of H2O2 = M/2
5. As2O3 MnO4– As2O3 + 5H2O  2AsO43– + 10H+ + 4e– Eq. wt. of As2O3 = M/4
MnO4– + 8H+ + 5e–  Mn2+ + 4H2O
6. AsO33– BrO3– AsO33– + H2O  AsO43– + 2H+ + 2e– Eq. wt. of AsO33– = M/2
BrO3– + 6H+ + 6e–  Br– + 3H2O Eq.wt. of BrO3– = M/6
Permanganate Titrations :

 KMnO4 is generally used as oxidising agent in acidic medium, generally provided by dilute
H2SO4 .

 KMnO4 works as self indicator persistent pink color is indication of end point.

 Mainly used for estimation of Fe2+ , oxalic acid ,oxalates, H2O2 etc.
 REDOX REACTION
Example
Ex. Write the balanced reaction of titration of KMnO4 Vs oxalic acid in presence of H2SO4.
Sol. Reaction : 2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 + 5H2C2O4  K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 8H2O + 10CO2
 M
Redox Changes : C23+  2C4+ +2e  EH2C 2O 4  
 2

 M
5e + Mn7+  Mn2+  EKMnO 4  
 5

Indicator : KMnO4 acts as self indicator.

Ex. Write the balanced reaction of titration of KMnO4 Vs ferrous ammonium sulphate in presence of H2SO4.
Sol. Reaction : 2KMnO4 + 10[FeSO4(NH4)2SO4. 6H2O] + 8H2SO4 
5Fe2(SO4)3 + 10(NH4)2SO4 + K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 68H2O
 M
Redox Changes : Fe2+  Fe3+ + e  EFeSO 4  
 1

 M
Mn7+ + 5e  Mn2+  EKMnO 4  
 5

Indicator : KMnO4 acts as self indicator

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)

H2O2 can behave both like oxidising and reducing agent in both the mediums (acidic and basic).

Oxidising agent : (H2O2 H2O)

(a)Acidic medium : 2e– + 2H+ + H2O2  2H2O
v.f. = 2
(b) Basic medium : 2e + H2O2  2OH–
–

v.f = 2
Reducing agent : (H2O2  O2)
(a)Acidic medium : H2O2  O2 + 2H+ + 2e–
v.f = 2
(b) Basic medium : 2OH– + H2O2 O2 + 2H2O + 2e–
v.f = 2
Note : Valency factor of H2O2 is always equal to 2.
Volume strength of H2O2 : Strength of H2O2 is represented as 10V , 20 V , 30 V etc.
20V H2O2 means one litre of this sample of H2O2 on decomposition gives 20L of O2 gas at STP.
Decomposition of H2O2 is given as :
1
H2O2  H2O + O2
2
1
1 mole × 22.4 L O2 at STP
2
 REDOX REACTION
= 34g = 11.2 L O2 at STP
To obtain 11.2 litre O2 at STP, at least 34 g H2O2 must be decomposed.
34
For 20 L O2 , we should decompose atleast ×20 g H2O2
11.2
34
 1 L solution of H2O2 contains ×20 g H2O2
11.2
34 20 M 34
 1 L solution of H2O2 contains × equivalents of H2O2 ( EH2O2   = 17)
11.2 17 2 2

34 20 20
Normality of H2O2 = × =
11.2 17 5 .6
Volume strength of H 2 O 2
Normality of H2O2 (N) =
5.6
NH2O2 NH2O2
 MH2O2 = =
v.f. 2
Volume strength of H 2 O 2
Molarity of H2O2 (M) =
11.2
Strength (in g/L) : Denoted by S
Strength = Molarity × Mol. wt = Molarity × 34
Strength = Normality × Eq. weight = Normality × 17

Example
N
Ex. 20 mL of H2O2 after acidification with dilute H2SO4 required 30 mL of KMnO4 for complete
12
oxidation. Final the strength of H2O2 solution. [Molar mass of H2O2 = 34]
Sol. meq. of KMnO4 = meq. of H2O2
1
30 × = 20 × N
12
30 1
N = = N
12  20 8
1
 strength = N × equivalent mass = × 17 = 2.12 g/L.
8

Hardness of water (Hard water does not give lather with soap)
Temporary hardness - due to bicarbonates of Ca & Mg
Permanent hardness - due to chlorides & sulphates of Ca & Mg. There are some method by which we
can soften the water sample.
(a) Byboiling : 2HCO3–  H2O + CO2 + CO32– or
By Slaked lime : Ca(HCO3)2 + Ca(OH)2  CaCO3 + 2H2O
Ca2+ + CO32–  CaCO3
(b) By Washing Soda : CaCl2 + Na2CO3  CaCO3 + 2NaCl
(c) By ion exchange resins : Na2R + Ca2+  CaR + 2Na+
(d) By adding chelating agents like (PO3–)3 etc.
 REDOX REACTION
PARTS PER MILLION (PPM)
When the solute is present in very less amount, then this concentration term is used. It is defined as the
number of parts of the solute present in every 1 million parts of the solution. ppm can both be in terms of
mass or in terms of moles. If nothing has been specified, we take ppm to be in terms of mass. Hence, a
100 ppm solution means that 100 g of solute is present in every 1000000 g of solution.

ppmA = mass of A = mass fraction × 106

10 6
Total mass

Measurement of Hardness :
Hardness is measured in terms of ppm (parts per million) of CaCO3 or equivalent to it.
mass of CaCO
3
Hardness in ppm = Total mass of solution 10 6

Example
Ex. 0.00012% MgSO4 and 0.000111% CaCl2 is present in water. What is the measured hardness of
water and millimoles of washing soda required to purify water 1000 L water ?
Sol. Basis of calculation = 100 g hard water
0.00012
MgSO4 = 0.00012g = mole
120

0.000111
CaCl2 = 0.000111g = mole
111

 0.00012 0.000111 
 equivalent moles of CaCO3 =  120   mole
 111 

 0.00012 0.000111 
 mass of CaCO3 =  120   × 100 = 2 × 10–4 g
 111 

2  10 4
Hardness (in terms of ppm of CaCO3) =  10 6 = 2 ppm
100

CaCl2 + Na2CO3  CaCO3 + 2NaCl

NaSO4 + Na2CO3  MgCO3 + Na2SO4
 0.00012 0.000111 
 Required Na2CO3 for 100g of water =  120   mole
 111 
= 2 × 10–6 mole
2  10 6 2
 Required Na2CO3 for 1000 litre water =  10 6  mole ( d = 1g/mL)
100 100

20
= mole = 20 m mole
1000
 REDOX REACTION

OXIDATION - REDUCTION
Q.1 Reduction involves
(1) Loss of electrons (2) Gain of electrons
(3) Increase in the valency of positive part (4) Decrease in the valency of negative part

Q.2 Oxidation involves

(1) Loss of electrons (2) Gain of electrons
(3) Increase in the valency of negative part (4) Decrease in the valency of positive part

Q.3 The process in which oxidation number increases is known as

(1) Oxidation (2) Reduction
(3)Auto-oxidation (4) None of the above

Q.4 Which of the following statements is not correct -

(1) Two mole of electrons are used in the reduction of MnO4– toMnO3–
(2) Three electrons per chromium atom are used in the reduction of dichromate by Fe (II)
1
(3) The oxidation state of oxygen is – in potassium superoxide.
2
(4) The oxidation number increases in the process of reduction.

Q.5 Zn 2  (aq)  2e  Zn (s) . This is

(1) Oxidation (2) Reduction (3) Redox reaction (4) None of these

Q.6 2CuI  Cu  CuI2 , the reaction is

(1) Redox (2) Neutralisation
(3) Oxidation (4) Reduction

Q.7 In which of the following reactions there is no change in valency

(1) 4KClO3  3KClO 4  KCl (2) SO 2  2H 2S  2H 2 O  3S
(3) BaO2  H 2SO 4  BaSO4  H 2O 2 (4) 2BaO  O 2  2BaO2

Q.8 When P reacts with caustic soda, the products are PH3 and NaH 2 PO 2 . This reaction is an example of
(1) Oxidation (2) Reduction
(3) Oxidation and reduction (Redox) (4) Neutralization

Q.9 The conversion of PbO to Pb ( NO 3 ) 2 is

(1) Oxidation (2) Reduction
(3) Neither oxidation nor reduction (4) Both oxidation and reduction
 REDOX REACTION

Q.10 In the following reaction : 3Br2  6CO32  3H 2 O 5Br  BrO3  6HCO3 ?

(1) Bromine is oxidised and carbonate is reduced
(2) Bromine is reduced and water is oxidised
(3) Bromine is neither reduced nor oxidised
(4) Bromine is reduced as well as oxidised also

Q.11 The reaction of KMnO4 and HCl results in

(1) Oxidation of Mn in KMnO4 and production of Cl 2
(2) Reduction of Mn in KMnO4 and production of H 2
(3) Oxidation of Mn in KMnO4 and production of Cl 2
(4) Reduction of Mn in KMnO4 and production of H 2

Q.12 In the reaction 3Cl2 + 6OH–  5Cl– + ClO3– + 3H2O chlorine is :

(1) Oxidised (2) Reduced
(3) Oxidised as well as reduced (4) Neither oxidised nor reduced

OXIDISING AND REDUCING AGENTS

Q.13 H 2O2 is used as
(1)An oxidant only (2)Areductant only
(3)An acid only (4) An oxidant, a reductant and an acid

Q.14 Strongest reducing agent is

(1) F– (2) Cl– (3) Br– (4) I–

Q.15 The compound that can work both as oxidising and reducing agent is
(1) KMnO4 (2) H2O2 (3) BaO2 (4) K2Cr2O7

Q.16 Which one is oxidising substance

(1) C2 H 2O 2 (2) CO (3) H 2S (4) CO2

Q.17 In C  H 2O  CO  H 2 , H 2O acts as
(1) Oxidising agent (2) Reducing agent (3) (1) and (2) both (4) None of these

Q.18 In a reaction between zinc and iodine, in which zinc iodide is formed, what is being oxidised
(1) Zinc ions (2) Iodide ions (3) Zinc atom (4) Iodine

Q.19 Which one is an oxidising agent

(1) FeSO4 (2) HNO3
(3) FeSO4 .( NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 .6H 2O (4) None of these
 REDOX REACTION
Q.20 In the reaction the reductant is
(1) C 2 O 24  (2) MnO 4 (3) Mn2+ (4) H+

Q.21 Which of these substances is a good reducing agent

(1) NaOCl2 (2) HI (3) FeCl3 (4) KBr

Q.22 In a conjugate pair of reductant and oxidant, the oxidant has

(1) Higher oxidation number (2) Lower oxidation number
(3) Same oxidation number (4) Either of these

Q.23 One gas bleaches the colour of the flowers by reduction while the other by oxidation. The gases are
(1) CO, Cl2 (2) H 2S, Br2 (3) SO 2 , Cl 2 (4) NH 3 , SO 3

Q.24 In the reaction, 8Al  3Fe3O 4  4Al2O3  9Fe, the number of electrons transferred from reductant
to oxidant is
(1) 8 (2) 4 (3) 16 (4) 24

Q.25 In the compounds KMnO4 and K2Cr2O7, the highest oxidation state is of the element :
(1) Potassium (2) Manganese (3) Chromium (4) Oxygen

Q.26 A gas X bleaches a flower by reduction and another gas Y by oxidation these gases are , respectively
(1) NH3 & SO3 (2) NO2 & N2O5
(3) SO2 & Cl2 (4) SO2 & PCl3

Q.27 Which of the following reactions depict the oxidising behavior of H2SO4 :
(1) 2PCl5 + H2SO4  2POCl3 + 2HCl + SO2Cl2
(2) 2NaOH + H2SO4  Na2SO4 + 2H2O
(3) NaCl + H2SO4  NaHSO4 + HCl
(4) 2HI + H2SO4  I2 + SO2 + 2H2O

Q.28 In C + H2O  CO + H2, H2O acts as :

(1) Oxidising agent (2) Reducing agent
(3) Both (4) None
Q.29 In a reaction between zinc and iodine in which zinc iodide is formed, which of the following undergo
oxidation :
(1) Zinc ions (2) Iodide ions (3) Zinc atom (4) Iodine

Q.30 Which one of the following compounds can act as an oxidising as well as reducing agent -
(1) KMnO4 (2) H2O2 (3) BaO (4) K2Cr2O7
 REDOX REACTION
OXIDTION NUMBER OR OXIDATION STATE

Q.31 The oxidation number of chlorine in HOCl

(1) – 1 (2) 0 (3) + 1 (4) + 2

Q.32 Oxidation number of N in HNO3 is

(1) – 3.5 (2) + 3.5 (3) – 3 (4) +5

Q.33 Oxidation number of P in KH 2 PO 2 is

(1) + 1 (2) + 3 (3) + 5 (4) – 4

Q.34 The oxidation number of ‘As’ is

(1) + 2 and + 3 (2) + 3 and + 5 (3) + 3 and + 4 (4) None of these

Q.35 Chlorine is in + 1 oxidation state in

(1) HCl (2) HClO4 (3) ICl (4) Cl 2O

Q.36 The oxidation number of sulphur in H 2SO 4 is

(1) - 2 (2) + 2 (3) + 4 (4) + 6

Q.37 Oxidation number of P in Mg 2 P2 O 7 is

(1) + 3 (2) + 2 (3) + 5 (4) – 3

Q.38 The oxidation number of sulphur in S8 , S2 F2 , H 2S respectively, are

(1) 0, + 1 and - 2 (2) + 2, + 1 and - 2
(3) 0, + 1 and + 2 (4) - 2, + 1 and - 2

Q.39 The charge on cobalt in CoCN 6 3 is

(1) - 6 (2) - 3 (3) + 3 (4) + 6

Q.40 The oxidation number of sulphur in H2SO4 and iron in K4Fe(ON)6 is respectively
(1) + 6 and + 2 (2) + 2 and + 2 (3) + 8 and + 2 (4) + 6 and + 4

Q.41 Oxidation number of C in C6 H12O 6 is

(1) + 6 (2) – 6 (3) 0 (4) + 4

Q.42 The oxidation number of carbon in CH 2O is

(1) – 2 (2) + 2 (3) 0 (4) + 4
 REDOX REACTION
Q.43 Maximum oxidation state of Cr is
(1) + 3 (2) + 4 (3) + 6 (4) + 7

Q.44 The oxidation number of N in NH 4 Cl is

(1) + 5 (2) + 3 (3) – 5 (4) - 3

Q.45 Oxidation number of S in Na 2SO 4 is

(1) - 2 (2) + 2 (3) - 6 (4) + 6

Q.46 Oxidation number of Fe in K 3[Fe(CN) 6 ] is

(1) + 2 (2) + 3 (3) + 1 (4) + 4

Q.47 Select the compound in which chlorine is assigned the oxidation number + 5
(1) HClO4 (2) HClO2 (3) HClO3 (4) HCl

Q.48 Which of the following shows maximum number of oxidation of mn.

(1) K 2 MnO4 (2) KMnO4 (3) MnO2 (4) Mn 2O 2

Q.49 In which of the following compounds transition metal is in oxidation state zero
(1) [Co( NH 3 ) 6 ]Cl 2 (2) [Fe(H 2O) 6 SO 4 ] (3) [ Ni(CO) 4 ] (4) [Fe(H 2O)3 ](OH) 2

Q.50 Oxidation number of osmium (Os) in OsO4 is

(1) + 4 (2) + 6 (3) + 7 (4) + 8

Q.51 Oxidation number of oxygen in ozone (O 3 ) is

(1) + 3 (2) - 3 (3) – 2 (4) 0

Q.52 Oxidation number of cobalt in K[Co(CO)4] is

(1) + 1 (2) + 3 (3) – 1 (4) – 3

Q.53 Oxidation state of Fe in Fe3O 4 is

3 4 5 8
(1) (2) (3) (4)
2 5 4 3
Q.54 In XeO3 and XeF6 the oxidation state of Xe is
(1) + 4 (2) + 6 (3) + 1 (4) + 3

Q.55 The valency of Cr in the complex [Cr ( H 2 O) 4 Cl 2 ]

(1) 1 (2) 3 (3) 5 (4) 6
 REDOX REACTION
Q.56 If three electrons are lost by a metal ion M , its final oxidation number should be :
3+

(1) 0 (2) + 6 (3) + 2 (4) + 4

Q.57 Oxidation number of Fe in K3[Fe(CN)6] is :
(1) + 2 (2) + 3 (3) + 1 (4) + 4

Q.58 Oxidation number of sulphur in S2Cl2 is :

(1) + 1 (2) 0 (3) – 1 (4) + 6

Q.59 Oxidation number of sulphur in S2O22– is :

(1) – 2 (2) + 1 (3) + 6 (4) 0

Q.60 The oxidation number of nitrogen in NH2OH is :

(1) + 1 (2) – 1 (3) – 3 (4) – 2

Q.61 Acompound contains atoms X, Y and Z the oxidation number of X is + 2, Y is + 5 and Z is – 2 therefore
a possible formula of the compound is :
(1) XY Z2 (2) X2(YZ3)2 (3) X3(YZ4)2 (4) X3(Y4Z)2

Q.62 The atomic number of an element which shows the oxidation state of + 3 is :
(1) 13 (2) 32 (3) 33 (4) 17
Q.63 The normal oxidation state of an element is – 2. The number of electrons in its outermost shell will be
(1) 4 (2) 2 (3) 6 (4) 8
Q.64 The oxidation number of Ni in Ni(CO)4
(1) 0 (2) 4 (3) 8 (4) 2

Q.65 The oxidation number of nitrogen in NH4NO3 is :

(1) + 3 (2) + 5 (3) – 3 and + 5 (4) + 3 and + 5
Q.66 The oxidation number of cobalt in [Co(CN)6]3- is -
(1) + 3 (2) – 3 (3) + 6 (4) – 6

Q.67 The oxidation number of Mn in MnC2O4 is -

(1) + 3 (2) + 8/3 (3) + 1 (4) +2

Q.68 The following reaction is used in the extraction of chromium from its ore
2Fe2O3.Cr2O3 + 4Na2CO3 + 3O2  2Fe2O3 + 4Na2CrO4 + 4CO2
What is true about the oxidation states of the substance in the reaction -
(1) Chromium is oxidised from + 3 to + 6 oxidation state.
(2) Iron is reduced from + 3 to + 2 oxidation state.
(3) Carbon is oxidised from + 3 to + 4 oxidation state
(4) There is no change in the oxidation states of the substances.
 REDOX REACTION

Q.69 Oxidation state of nitrogen is incorrectly given for -

Compounds Oxidation states
(1) [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2 –3
(2) NH2OH –1
(3) (N2H5)2SO4 +2
(4) Mg3N2 –3

Q.70 The oxidation number of each sulphur in Na2S4O6 is -

(1) 2.5
(2) 2 and 3 (two S have + 2 and the other two have + 3)
(3) 2 and 4 (three S have + 2 and one S has + 4)
(4) 5 and 0 (two S have + 5 and the other two S have 0)

Q.71 In a triatomic molecule the oxidation states of atoms A, B and C are + 6, + 1 and – 2 respectively. The
molecular formula of the compound will be -
(1) B2AC4 (2) B2A2C7 (3) Both of the above. (4) None of the above

METHODS FOR BALANCING REDOX REACTIONS

Q.72 In the following reaction Cr2O 7 2  14H   6I   2Cr 3  3H 2O  3I 2 . Which element is reduced
(1) Cr (2) H (3) O (4) I

Q.73 The number of electrons to balance the following equation NO3  4H   xe  2H 2 O  NO is
(1) 5 (2) 4 (3) 3 (4) 2

Q.74 The value of x in the partial redox equation MnO 4  8H   xe Mn 2  4H 2 O is

(1) 5 (2) 3 (3) 1 (4) 0

Q.75 In a balanced equation : H 2SO4  x HI  H 2S  y I 2  z H 2 O, the values of x, y, z are

(1) x = 3, y = 5, z = 2 (2) x = 4, y = 8, z = 5
(3) x = 8, y = 4, z = 4 (4) x = 5, y = 3, z = 4

Q.76 C 2H 6 (g)  nO 2  CO 2 (g)  H 2O (l )

In this equation, the ratio of the coefficients of CO2 and H2O is
(1) 1 : 1 (2) 2 : 3 (3) 3 : 2 (4) 1 : 3

Q.77 For the redox reaction, MnO 4  C 2 O 42  H   Mn 2  CO 2  H 2 O

the correct coefficients of the reactants for the balanced reaction are
MnO4– C2O4– H+
(1) 2 5 16
(2) 16 5 2
(3) 5 16 2
(4) 2 16 5
 REDOX REACTION

Q.78 What is 'A' in the following reaction : 2Fe 3 (aq )  Sn 2 (aq )  2Fe 2 (aq )  A

(1) Sn 3 (aq ) (2) Sn 4 (aq ) (3) Sn 2 (aq ) (4) Sn

Q.79 2MnO 4  5H 2 O 2  6H   2 Z  5O 2  8H 2 O. In this reaction ‘Z’ is

(1) Mn+2 (2) Mn+4 (3) MnO2 (4) Mn

Q.80 In the following equation ClO3— + 6 H+ + X  Cl— + 3H2O, then X is

(1) O (2) 6e— (3) O2 (4) 5e—

AUTOXIDATION, DISPROPORTIONATION, EQUIVALENT MASS,

n-FACTOR & APPLICATION OF REDOX REACTION

Q.81 When N2 is converted into NH3, the equivalent weight of nitrogen will be :
(1) 1.67 (2) 2.67 (3) 3.67 (4) 4.67

Q.82 In the ionic equation 2K+BrO3– + 12H+ + 10e–  Br2 + 6H2O + 2K+,
the equivalent weight of KBrO3 will be : (where M = molecular weight of KBrO3)
(1) M/5 (2) M/2 (3) M/6 (4) M/4

Q.83 If molecular weight of KMnO4 is 'M', then its equivalent weight in acidic medium would be :
(1) M (2) M/2 (3) M/5 (4) M/4

Q.84 In the conversion NH2OH  N2O,

the equivalent weight of NH2OH will be : (M = molecular weight of NH2OH)
(1) M/4 (2) M/2 (3) M/5 (4) M/1

Q.85 In the reaction between SO2 and O3, the equivalent weight of ozone is :
(1) the same as its molecular weight (2) half the molecular weight
(3) one-third of the molecular weight (4) one-fourth of the molecular weight

Q.86 The equivalent weight of phosphoric acid (H3PO4) in the reaction :

NaOH + H3PO4  NaH
2
PO4 + H2O
(1) 59 (2) 49 (3) 25 (4) 98

Q.87 The equivalent weight of MnSO4 is half its molecular weight when it is converted into
(1) Mn2O3 (2) MnO4– (3) MnO2 (4) MnO42–

Q.88 The equivalent weight of Mohr's salt, FeSO4.(NH4)2SO4.6H2O is equal to

(1) Its molecular weight (2)Atomic weight
(3) half-its molecular weight (4) one-third its molecular weight
 REDOX REACTION

Q.89 How many millilitres of 0.1N H2SO4 solution will be required for complete reaction with a solution
containing 0.125 g of pure Na2CO3 :
(1) 23.6 mL (2) 25.6 mL (3) 26.3 mL (4) 32.6 mL

Q.90 If 25 mL of a H2SO4 solution reacts completely with 1.06 g of pure Na2CO3, what is the normality of
this acid solution :
(1) 1 N (2) 0.5 N (3) 1.8 N (4) 0.8 N

Q.91 A certain weight of pure CaCO3 is made to react completely with 200 mL of a HCl solution to give
224 mL of CO2 gas at STP. The normality of the HCl solution is:
(1) 0.05N (2) 0.1 N (3) 1.0 N (4) 0.2 N

Q.92 10 mL of 1 N HCl is mixed with 20 mL of 1 M H2SO4 and 30 mL of 1 M NaOH. The resultant solution
has :
(1) 20 meq of H+ ions (2) 20 meq of OH–
(3) 0 meq of H+ or OH– (4) 30 milli moles of H+

Q.93 If equal volumes of 0.1 M KMnO4 and 0.1 M K2Cr2O7 solutions are allowed to oxidise Fe2+ to Fe3+
in acidic medium, then Fe2+ oxidised will be :
(1) more by KMnO4 (2) more by K2Cr2O7
(3) equal in both cases (4) cannot be determined.

Q.94 Which of the following solutions will exactlyoxidize 25 mL of an acid solution of 0.1 M iron () oxalate:
(1) 25 mL of 0.1 M KMnO4 (2) 25 mL of 0.2 M KMnO4
(3) 25 mL of 0.6 M KMnO4 (4) 15 mL of 0.1 M KMnO4

Q.95 The number of moles of oxalate ions oxidized by one mole of MnO4– ion in acidic medium is :
5 2 3 5
(1) (2) (3) (4)
2 5 5 3

Q.96 Which of the following change represents a disproportionation reaction (s)

(1) Cl 2  2OH   ClO   Cl   H 2 O

(2) Cu 2 O  2H   Cu  Cu 2  H 2 O
dilution with 2  
(3) 2HCuCl2    Cu  Cu  4Cl  2H
water
(4) All of the above

Q.97 During the disproportionation of I2 to iodide and iodate ions, the ratio of Iodate and Iodide ions formed
in alkalinemedium is
(1) 1 : 5 (2) 5 : 1 (3) 3 : 1 (4) 1 : 3
 REDOX REACTION
Q.98 Which is not a disproportionation reaction
Al(OC2H5)3
(1) 2 CHO COOCH 2

CHO CH2OH COO –

–
(2) + OH +
–
COOH COO COO –
(3) NaH  H 2 O  NaOH  H 2
(4) All the above

Q.99 In the reaction : MnO4— + NO2—  NO3— + Mn2+

one mole of MnO4– oxidises ________ moles of NO2–
(1) 5 (2) 5/2 (3) 3 (4) 3/2

Q.100 In a reaction the equivalent weight of KMnO4 becomes one third of its molecular weight. The oxidation
state of Mn in the final product is
(1) + 6 (2) + 4 (3) + 3 (4) + 2

Q.101 The reaction 2TiCl3  TiCl2 + TiCl4 example of -

(1) dissociation (2) disproportation (3) reversible reaction (4) exothermic reaction

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE, HARDNESS OF WATER, % STRENGTH OF OLEUM,

AVAILABLE CHLORINE
Q.102 The volume strength of 1.5 N H2O2 solution is :
(1) 4.8 V (2) 8.4 V (3) 3 V (4) 8 V

Q.103 Find the volume strength of H2O2 solution prepared by mixing of 250 mL of 3N H2O2 & 750 mL of 1N
H2O2 solution :
(1) 1.5 V (2) 8.4 V (3) 5.6 V (4) 11.2 V

Q.104 Temporary hardness is due to bicarbonates of Mg2+ and Ca2+. It is removed by addition of CaO as
follows : Ca(HCO3)2 + CaO  2CaCO3 + H2O
Mass of CaO required to precipitate 2 g CaCO3 is :
(1) 2 g (2) 0.56 g (3) 0.28 g (4) 1.12 g

Q.105 The mass of oxalic acid crystals (H2C2O4 . 2H2O) required to prepare 50 mL of a 0.2 N solution is :
(1) 4.5 g (2) 6.3 g (3) 0.63 g (4) 0.45 g

Q.106 125 mL of 63% (w/v) H2C2O4 . 2H2O solution is made to react with 125 mL of a 40%(w/v) NaOH
solution. The resulting solution is: (ignoring hydrolysis of ions)
(1) neutral (2) acidic (3) strongly acidic (4) alkaline

Q.107 125 mL of 63% (w/v) H2C2O4 . 2H2O solution is made to react with 125 mL of a 40%(w/v) NaOH
solution. The resulting solution is: (ignoring hydrolysis of ions)
(1) neutral (2) acidic (3) strongly acidic (4) alkaline
 REDOX REACTION

Q.1 Which of the following are oxidation-reduction reaction ?

(1) CH4(g) + 2O2(g)  CO2(g) + 2H2O(l) (2) Zn(s) + 2HCl(aq)  ZnCl2(aq) + H2(g)
(3) O3(g) + NO(g)  O2(g) + NO2(g) (4)All of these

Q.2 The Ostwald process for the commercial preparation of nitric acid involves the following three steps -
(i) 4NH3(g) + 5O2(g)  4NO(g) + 6H2O(l) (ii) 2NO(g) + O2(g)  2NO2(g)
(iii) 3NO2(g) + H2O(l)  2HNO3(g) + NO(g)
Which reaction is redox reaction -
(1) i (2) ii (3)iii (4) i and iii

Q.3 In which of the following reactions oxidation and reduction is occuring

(1) AgNO3  HCl  AgCl  HNO3 (2) H 2  Cl2  2HCl
(3) BaCl2  H 2SO4  BaSO4  2HCl (4) KI  HCl  KCl  HI

Q.4 Which of the following is redox reaction

(1) H 2SO 4 with NaOH
(2) In atmosphere, O3 from O2 by lightning
(3) Evaporation of H 2O
(4) Nitrogen oxides form nitrogen and oxygen by lightning

Q.5 Which of the following is not a redox reaction

(1) 2Rb  2H 2O  2RbOH  H 2 (2) 2CuI2  2CuI  I 2
(3) 2H 2O 2  2H 2O  O 2 (4) 4KCN  Fe(CN) 2  K 4 Fe(CN)6

Q.6 Which of the following is a redox reaction

(1) NaCl  KNO 3  NaNO3  KCl
(2) CaC2O 4  2HCl  CaCl2  H 2 C2O 4
(3) Mg OH 2  2 NH 4Cl  MgCl 2  2 NH 4 OH
(4) Zn  2AgCN  2Ag  Zn(CN) 2

Q.7 Which of the following reaction is a redox-reaction

(1) P2O 5  2H 2O  H 4 P2O 7 (2) 2AgNO3  BaCl 2  2AgCl  Ba ( NO3 ) 2
(2) BaCl2  H 2SO4  BaSO4  2HCl (4) Cu  2AgNO 3  2Ag  Cu NO 3 2

Q.8 When Fe2+ changes to Fe3+ in a reaction

(1) It loses an electron (2) It gains an electron
(3) It loses a proton (4) It gains a proton
 REDOX REACTION
Q.9 Which of the following reactions involves oxidation-reduction both
(1) NaBr  HCl  NaCl  HBr
(2) HBr  AgNO3  AgBr  HNO3
(3) H 2  Br2  2HBr
(4) 2 NaOH  H 2SO 4  Na 2SO4  2H 2O

Q.10 The conversion of sugar C12 H 22O11  CO2 is

(1) Oxidation (2) Reduction
(3) Neither oxidation nor reduction (4) Both oxidation and reduction

Q.11 Which one is oxidising agent in the reaction, 2CrO24  2H   Cr2O72  H 2 O

(1) H+ (2) Cr2O 4 (3) Cr   (4) None of these

Q.12 The oxide which cannot act as a reducing agent is

(1) SO2 (2) NO2 (3) CO2 (4) ClO2

Q.13 In the reaction between ozone and hydrogen peroxide. H 2O2 acts as
(1) Oxidising agent
(2) Reducing agent
(3) Bleaching agent
(4) Both oxidising and bleaching agent

Q.14 The product of oxidation of I– with MnO4– in alkaline medium is

(1) IO3– (2) I2 (3) IO– (4) IO4–

Q.15 In alkaline condition KMnO4 reacts as 2KMnO4  2KOH  2K 2 MnO4  H 2 O  O. The equiva-
lent weight of KMnO4 would be (Atomic mass of K = 39, Mn = 55, O = 16)
(1) 158.0 (2) 79.0 (3) 52.7 (4) 31.6

Q.16 KMnO4 acts as an oxidising agent in the neutral medium and gets reduced to MnO2 . The equivalent
weight of KMnO4 in neutral medium
(1) Mol. wt/2 (2) Mol. wt/3 (3) Mol. wt/4 (4) Mol. wt/7

Q.17 Which substance is serving as a reducing agent in the following reaction,

14H   Cr2O72  3Ni  2Cr 3  7H 2O  3Ni 2
(1) H 2O (2) Ni (3) H+ (4) Cr2 O 72

Q.18 The equivalent weight of phosphoric acid (H 3PO 4 ) in the reaction,

NaOH  H 3PO 4  NaH 2 PO 4  H 2 O is
(1) 25 (2) 49 (3) 59 (4) 98
 REDOX REACTION
Q.19 Why is the following reaction is not possible?
Cr2 O72  Fe3  H   .........  ..........  .......
(1) Both Cr2 O 72 and Fe3+ are reducing agents

(2) Both Cr2 O 72 and Fe3+ are oxidising agents

(3) Cr2 O72 is a strong oxidising agent while Fe3+ is a weak oxidising agent
(4) The solution is acidic in nature

Q.20 When SO 2 is passed through acidic solution of potassium dichromate, then chromium sulphate is formed.
Change in valencyof chromium is
(1) + 4 to + 2 (2) + 5 to + 3 (3) + 6 to + 3 (4) + 7 to + 2

Q.21 Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists
List I List II
(Compound) (Oxidation state of N)
(1) NO 2 (1) + 5
(2) HNO (2) – 3
(3) NH 3 (3) + 4
(4) N 2O5 (4) + 1
Codes :
(1) A B C D (2) A B C D (3) A B C D (4) A B C D
2 3 4 1 3 1 2 4 3 4 2 1 2 3 1 4

Q.22 The oxidation number of carbon in CH 2Cl2 is

(1) 0 (2) + 2 (3) – 2 (4) + 4

Q.23 Which of the following is the strongest acid

(1) HClO (2) HClO2 (3) HClO3 (4) HClO4

Q.24 Strongest oxidising agent is -

(1) Na (2) F2 (3) Cl2 (4) Br2

Q.25 The oxidation number of S in S2O32 and S 4O 26 is respectively -

(1) +2, +2 (2) +2.5, +2.5 (3) +2, +2.5 (4) +2, –2.5

Q.26 The oxidation number of Fe in K4[Fe(CN)6] and K3[Fe(CN)6] is respectively -

(1) +2 in both (2) +3 in both (3) +2 and +3 (4) +3 and +2

Q.27 The oxidation number of phosphorus in Ba(H2PO2) is

(1) +3 (2) –2 (3) +1 (4) –1
 REDOX REACTION
Q.28 When KMnO4 acts as an oxidising agent and finally forms MnO24 , MnO2 , Mn2O3 and Mn2+, then
the number of electrons transferred in each case respectively is -
(1) 4, 3, 1, 5 (2) 1, 5, 3, 7
(3) 1, 3, 4, 5 (4) 3, 5, 7, 1

Q.29 What is the value of W, X, Y and Z respectively in the following reaction ?

H2O + W MnO4 + XIO3–  YMnO2 + ZIO4– + 2OH–
() (aq) (s) (aq)
(1) 2, 3, 2, 3 (2) 3, 3, 2, 2
(3) 2, 3, 3, 2 (4) 2, 2, 3, 3

Q.30 Iodine reacts with aq thiosulphate ion in neutral solution according to the balanced equation,
I2 + 2S2O32  S 4 O 26 + 2I–
(aq) (aq) (aq) (aq)
How many grams of I2 will react with 100 mL 0.1 M Na2S2O3 solution :
(1) 0.635 g (2) 1.27 g (3) 2.54 g (4) 5.08 g

Q.31 What is the molar concentration of As (III) in a solution if 100 mL of 0.60 M KBrO3 is needed to
titrate 100 mLof the As (III) solution ? The balanced equation is –
3H3AsO3 + BrO3 Br– + 3H3AsO4
(aq) (aq) (aq) (aq)
(1) 0.2 M (2) 0.4 M (3) 0.1 M (4) 0.5 M

Q.32 Which one of the following is not a redox reaction –

(1) CaCO3  CaO + CO2
(2) 2H2 + O2  2H2O
1
(3) Na + H2O  NaOH + H
2 2

1
(4) MnCl3  MnCl2 + Cl2
2

Q.33 In the reaction MnO4– + SO32– + H+  SO42– + Mn2+ + H2O

(1) MnO4– and H+ both are reduced
(2) MnO4– is reduced and H+ is oxidised
(3) MnO4– is reduced and SO32– is oxidised
(4) MnO4– is oxidised and SO32– is reduced

Q.34 In which of the following compounds iron has lowest oxidation state -
(1) FeSO4(NH4)2SO4.6H2O (2) K4Fe(CN)6
(3) Fe(CO)5 (4) Fe0.94O
 REDOX REACTION
Q.35 Match List- I (compound) with list II (Oxidation state of N) and select the correct answer using
the codes given below the list -
List I List II
(A) KNO3 (a) – 1/3
(B) HNO2 (b) – 3
(C) NH4Cl (c) 0
(D) NaN3 (d) + 3
(e) + 5
Codes are -
A B C D A B C D
(1) e d b a (2) e b d a
(3) d e a c (4) b c d e

Q.36 In which of the following pair oxidation number of Fe is same -

(1) K3Fe(CN)6, Fe2O3 (2) Fe(CO)5,Fe2O3
(3) Fe2O3,FeO (4) Fe2(SO4)3,K4Fe(CN)6

Q.37 Oxidation state of cobalt in [Co(NH3)4(H2O)Cl]SO4 is -

(1) 0 (2) 4 (3) 2 (4) 3

Q.38 The oxidation number of phosphorus in PH4 , PO32 , PO34 and PO33 respectively -
(1) –3, +1, +3, +5 (2) –3, +3, +5, +1 (3) +3, –3, +5, +1 (4) –3, +1, +5, +3

Q.39 Cr2 O 72 + I– + H+  Cr+3 + I2 + H2O

The equivalent weight of reductant in the above equation is - (At. wt. of Cr = 52, I = 27)
(1) 26 (2) 127 (3) 63.5 (4) 10.4

Q.40 A metallic oxide contains 60 % of the metal. Calculate the Equivalent weight of the metal.
(1) 12 (2) 60 (3) 40 (4) 24

Q.41 It requires 40 ml of 1M Ce4+ to titrate 20ml of 1M Sn2+ to Sn4+. What is the oxidation state of the
cerium in the product.
(1) +2 (2) +3 (3) +4 (4) +5

Q.42 Potassium acid oxalate K2C2O4 · 3H2C2O4·4H2O can be oxidized by MnO4– in acid medium. Calculate
the volume of 0.1M KMnO4 reacting in acid solution with 5.08 gm of the acid oxalate.
(1) 150 ml (2) 80 ml (3) 160 ml (4) 320 ml
Q.43 Calculate volume of 0.4 M KMnO4 required to react with following in acidic medium.
KHC2O4 (1 mol) + H2C2O4 (2 mol)
(1) 1 l (2) 2 l (3) 3 l (4) 4 l
Q.44 Calculate volume of 0.4 M NaOH required to react with following mixture.
KHC2O4 (1 mol) + H2C2O4 (2 mol)
(1) 125 l (2) 25 l (3) 6.25 l (4) 12.5 l
 REDOX REACTION
Q.45 Calculate volume of 0.2 M KMnO4 required to react with following mixture in acidic medium.
KHC2O4 (128 gm) + H2C2O4 (180 gm)
(1) 2 l (2) 4 l (3) 6 l (4) 8 l

Q.46 Calculate the millimoles of Br2 produced when 10 ml of 0.1 M BrO3¯ reacts with excess of Br¯.
(1) 1 (2) 2 (3) 3 (4) 4

Q.47 10 g CaCO3 were dissolved in 250 ml of 1 M HCl. What volume of 2 M KOH would be required to
neutralise excess HCl.
(1) 25 mL (2) 50 mL (3) 75 mL (4) 100 mL

Q.48 Volume V1 mLof 0.1M K2Cr2O7 is needed for complete oxidation of 0.678 g N2H4 in acidic medium.
The volume of 0.3 M KMnO4 needed for same oxidation in acidic medium will be:
2 5
(1) V1 (2) V1
5 2
(3) 113 V1 (4) can not be determined

Q.49 In which of the following reactions is there a change in the oxidation number of nitrogen atom:
(1) 2 NO2  N2 O4 (2) NH3 + H2O  NH4+ + OH–
(3) N2O5 + H2O  2HNO3 (4) None of these

Q.50 In the reaction xHI + yHNO3  NO + 2 + H2O :

(1) x = 3, y = 2 (2) x= 2, y = 3 (3) x = 6, y = 2 (4) x = 6, y = 1

Q.51 For the redox reaction MnO4– + C2O42– + H+  Mn2+ + CO2 + H2O,
the correct stoichiometric coefficients of MnO4–, C2O42– and H+ are respectively:
(1) 2, 5, 16 (2) 16, 5, 2 (3) 5, 16, 2 (4) 2, 16, 5

Q.52 SO2 acts as an oxidant when it reacts with :

(1)Acidified KMnO4 (2) Acidified K2Cr2O7 (3) H2S (4)Acidified C2H5OH

Q.53 The violent reaction between sodium and water is an example of :

(1) Reduction (2) Oxidation (3) Redox reaction (4) Neutralization reaction

Q.54 The number of electrons required to balance the following equation,

NO3– + 4H+ + e–  2H
2
O + NO is
(1) 5 (2) 4 (3) 3 (4) 2

Q.55 In which of the following pairs, there is greatest difference in the oxidation number of the under lined
elements?
(1) NO2 and N2O4 (2) P2O5 and P4O10
(3) N2O and NO (4) SO2 and SO3
 REDOX REACTION

Q.56 In the chemical reaction, K2Cr2O7 + XH2SO4 + YSO2  K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + ZH2O
X, Y and Z are :
(1) 1, 3, 1 (2) 4, 1, 4 (3) 3, 2, 3 (4) 2, 1, 2

Q.57 M is molecular weight of KMnO4. The equivalent weight of KMnO4 when it is converted into K2MnO4
is :
(1) M (2) M/3 (3) M/5 (4) M/7

Q.58 Which of the following reactions depicts the oxidising property of SO2 ?
(1) SO2 + H2O  H2SO3
(2) 2H2S + SO2  3S + 2H2O
(3) Cl2 + SO2  SO
2
Cl2
(4) 2MnO4– + 5SO2 + 2H2O  5SO
4
2–
+ 2Mn2+ + 4H+

Q.59 Which of the following elements has least oxidation number ?

(1) Ni(CN)4 (2) Ni(CO)4 (3) Fe2O3 (4) SF6

Q.60 KMnO4 oxidises oxalic acid in acidic medium. The number of CO2 molecule produced as per the
balanced equation is
(1) 10 (2) 8 (3) 6 (4) 3

Q.61 In which of the following, transition metal has zero oxidation state ?
(1) [Fe(CO)5] (2) NH2.NH2 (3) NOClO4 (4) CrO5

Q.62 What is the coefficient of oxalate ion in the following reaction ?

MnO4– + C2O42– + H+  Mn2+ + CO2 + H2O
(1) 4 (2) 2 (3) 3 (4) 5

Q.63 How many litres of Cl2 at STP will be liberated by the oxidation of NaCl with 10 g KMnO4 in acidic
medium: (Atomic weight : Mn = 55 and K = 39)
(1) 3.54 (2) 7.08 (3) 1.77 (4) None of these

Q.64 When hypo solution is added to KMnO4 solution then

(1) Na2S2O3 is converted to Na2SO4 (2) Na2S2O3 is converted to Na2S4O6
(3) KMnO4 is converted to K2MnO4 (4) KMnO4 is converted to MnSO4
 REDOX REACTION

[REASONING TYPE]
(1) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(2) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(3) If Assertion is true but reason is false.
(4) If both assertion and reason are false.
Q.1 Assertion : Asubstance which gets reduced can act as an oxidising agent.
Reason : In the reaction, 3ClO–  ClO
3
–
+ 2Cl– , Cl atom is oxidised as well as reduced.

Q.2 Assertion : 2CuCl  CuCl2 + Cu is a disproportionation reaction.

Reason :All transition metals show disproportionation reactions.

Q.3 Assertion : Sulphur dioxide and chlorine are both bleaching agents.
Reason : Both are reducing agents.
Q.4 Assertion : F2 does not undergo disproportionation reactions.
Reason : Fluorine shows only 0 and –1 oxidation states.

Q.5 Assertion : Fe3O4 contains iron atoms in two different oxidation numbers.
Reason : Fe2+ ions decolourize KMnO4 solution.

Q.6 Assertion : In the redox reaction 8 H+ (aq) + 4 NO3– + 6 Cl– + Sn(s)  SnCl62– + 4 NO2 + 4
H2O, the reducing agent is Sn(s).
Reason : In balancing half reaction, S2O32–  S(s), the number of electrons added on the left is 4.

Q.7 Assertion : In the reaction, MnO4– + 5Fe2+ + 8H+  Mn2+ + 5Fe3+ + 4H2O, MnO4– acts
as oxidising agent.
Reason : In the above reaction, n-factor for MnO4 is 5.

Q.8 Assertion : If 200 mL of 0.1N NaOH is added to 200 mL of 0.1N H2SO4 solution, then the resulting
solution is acidic.
Reason : If milliequivalents of acid is greater than milliequivalents of base, then upon mixing the solution
is acidic.

Q.9 Assertion : The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to form water and oxygen is an example of
disproportionation reaction.
Reason : The oxygen of peroxide is in –1 oxidation state and it is converted to zero oxidation state in
O2 and –2 oxidation state in H2O.

Q.10 Assertion : Acidity of NaOH is one.

Reason : n-factor of NaOH in the following reaction is one.
Cl2 + NaOH  Cl– + ClO3

Q.11 Assertion : If the normality of a KMnO4 solution is 0.5N, then the normality of same solution may be
0.3N, in other condition.
Reason : Equivalent weight of anysubstance maybe different in different reaction condition.
 REDOX REACTION

(Previous Year’s Questions)

Q.1 Oxidation number of 'S' in Na2S4O6 is - [CBSE - 1993]

(1) +0.5 (2) 2.5 (3) +4 (4) +6

Q.2 The brown ring complex is formulated as [Fe(H2O)5NO]SO4. The oxidation state of iron is -
(1) + 1 (2) + 2 (3) + 3 (4) 0 [MPPMT 1993]

Q.3 Which one of the following is not a redox reaction ? [AIIMS - 1993]
(1) CaCO3  CaO + CO2
(2) 2H2 + O2  2H2O
(3) Na + H2O  NaOH + ½H2
(4) MnCl3  MnCl2 + ½Cl2

Q.4 Oxidation state of Cr in Cr(CO)6 is - [AIIMS 1993]

(1) 0 (2) + 2 (3) - 2 (4) + 6

Q.5 Which substance is serving as a reducing agent in the following reaction,

14H+ + Cr2O72 + 3Ni  2Cr3+ + 7H2O + 3Ni2+ [CBSE 1994]
(1) H2O (2) Ni (3) H+ (4) Cr2O72

Q.6 The oxide which cannot act as a reducing agent is - [CBSE - 1995]
(1) SO2 (2) NO2 (3) CO2 (4) ClO2

Q.7 Coordination number and oxidation number of Cr in K3Cr(C2O4)3 are respectively - [CBSE - 1995]
(1) 4 and +2 (2) 6 and +3 (3) 3 and –3 (4) 3 and 0

Q.8 In the following reaction ; 3Br2 + 6CO23 + 3H2O  5Br– + BrO3 + 6HCO3 [MPPMT-1997]
(1) Bromine is oxidised carbonate is reduced
(2) Bromine is reduced,carbonate is oxidised
(3) Bromine is neither reduced nor oxidised
(4) Bromine is reduced as well as oxidised
Q.9 Oxidation state of Fe in Fe3O8 is - [CBSE - 1999]
(1) 3/2 (2) 4/5 (3) 5/4 (4) 8/3

Q.10 In which of the following compounds transition metal has zero oxidation state ? [CBSE - 1999]
(1) CrO3 (2) Fe3O4 (3) FeSO4 (4) Fe(CO)5

Q.11 The values of x and y in the following redox reaction, xCl2 + 6OH–  ClO3– + yCl– + 3H2O are a
[AIPMT 2000]
(1) x = 2, y = 4 (2) x = 5, y = 3 (3) x = 3, y = 5 (4) x = 4, y = 2
 REDOX REACTION

Q.12 The oxidation states of sulphur in the anions SO32– , S2O42– and S2O62– follow the order :
[AIPMT 2003]
(1) S2O4 < SO3 < S2O6
2– 2– 2–
(2) SO3 < S2O4 < S2O6
2– 2– 2–

(3) S2O42– < S2O62– < SO32– (4) S2O62– < S2O42– < SO32–

Q.13 For decolourization of 1 mole of KMnO4, the moles of H2O2 required is [AIPMT 2004]
(1) 1/2 (2) 3/2 (3) 5/2 (4) 7/2

Q.14 Which is the best description of the behaviour of bromine in the reaction given below ?[AIPMT 2004]
H2O + Br2  HOBr + HBr
(1) Proton acceptor only (2) Both oxidised and reduced
(3) Oxidised only (4) Reduced only

Q.15 In the balanced chemical reaction,

O3– + a– + bH+  cH2O + d2
a, b, c and d respectively correspond to [AIIMS 2005]
(1) 5, 6, 3, 3 (2) 5, 3, 6, 3 (3) 3, 5, 3, 6 (4) 5, 6, 5,5

Q.16 The number of moles of KMnO4 reduced by one mole of KI in alkaline medium is [AIPMT 2005]
(1) one (2) two (3) five (4) one fifith

Q.17 Assertion : Reaction of SO2 and H2S in the presence of Fe2O3 catalyst gives elemental sulphur.
Reason : SO2 is a reducing agent. [AIIMS 2005]
(1) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is a correct explanation of assertion.
(2) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not a correct explanation of assertion.
(3) If assertion is true but reason is false.
(4) If assertion and reason both are false.

Q.18 The charge required for the reduction of 1 mol of MnO2 is : [AIIMS 2006]
(1) 1 F (2) 3 F (3) 5 F (4) 6 F

Q.19 Assertion : K2Cr2O7 is used as a primary standard in volumetric analysis.

Reason : It has a good solubility in water. [AIIMS 2006]
(1) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is a correct explanation of assertion.
(2) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not a correct explanation of assertion.
(3) If assertion is true but reason is false.
(4) If assertion and reason both are false.
 REDOX REACTION

Q.20 Assertion : Change in colour of acidic solution of potassium dichromate by breath is used to test drunk
drivers. [AIIMS 2006]
Reason : Change in colour is due to the complexation of alcohol with potassium dichromate.
(1) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is a correct explanation of assertion.
(2) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not a correct explanation of assertion.
(3) If assertion is true but reason is false.
(4) If assertion and reason both are false.

Q.21 Number of moles of MnO4– required to oxidize one mole of ferrous oxalate completelyin acidic medium
will be : [AIPMT 2008]
(1) 7.5 moles (2) 0.2 moles (3) 0.6 moles (4) 0.4 moles

Q.22 On the basis of the following Eº values, the strongest oxidizing agent is [AIPMT 2008]
[Fe (CN)6 ]  [Fe(CN)6] + e ;
4– 3– –1
Eº = – 0.35 V
Fe  Fe + e ;
2+ 3+ –1
Eº = – 0.77 V
(1) Fe3+
(2) [Fe(CN)6] 3–
(3) [Fe(CN)6] 4– (4) Fe2+

Q.23 The oxidation states of iodine in HIO4, H3IO5 and H5IO6 are, respectively : [AIIMS 2008]
(1) + 1, + 3, + 7 (2) + 7, + 7, + 3 (3) + 7, + 7, + 7 (4) + 7, + 5, + 3

Molecular weight
Q.24 Assertion : Equivalent weight of a base = Acidity [AIIMS 2008]
Reason : Acidity is the number of replaceable hydrogen atoms in one molecule of the base.
(1) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is a correct explanation of assertion.
(2) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not a correct explanation of assertion.
(3) If assertion is true but reason is false.
(4) If assertion and reason both are false.

Q.25 x moles of potassium dichromate oxidises 1 mole of ferrous oxalate, in acidic medium. Here x is :
[AIIMS 2009]
(1) 3 (2) 1.5 (3) 0.5 (4) 1.0

Q.26 In the following redox equation,

xUO2+ + Cr2O2–7 + yH+  aUO2+2 + zCr3+ + bH2O
the values of coefficients x, y and z are, respectively : [AIIMS 2009]
(1) 3, 8, 2 (2) 3, 8, 7 (3) 3, 2, 4 (4) 3, 1, 8

Q.27 The equivalent weight of H3PO2, when it disproportionate into PH3 and H3PO3 is :[AIIMS 2010]
(1) 82 (2) 61.5 (3) 14 (4) 20.5
 REDOX REACTION

Q.28 When Cl2 gas reacts with hot and concentrated sodium hydroxide solution, the oxidation number of
chlorine changes from : [AIPMT 2012]
(1) Zero to +1 and zero to –5 (2) Zero to –1 and zero to +5
(3) Zero to –1 and zero to +3 (4) Zero to +1 and zero to –3

Q.29 In which of the following compounds, nitrogen exhibits highest oxidation state ? [AIPMT 2012]
(1) N2H4 (2) NH3 (3) N3H (4) NH2OH

Q.30 A mixture of potassium chlorate, oxalic acid and sulphuric acid is heated. During the reaction which
element undergoes maximum change in the oxidation number ? [AIPMT 2012]
(1) S (2) H (3) Cl (4) C

Q.31 The reaction of aqueous KMnO4 with H2O2 in acidic conditions gives : [NEET-2014]
(1) Mn2+ and O3 (2) Mn4+ and MnO2
(3) Mn4+ and O2 (4) Mn2+ and O2

Q.32 In acidic medium, H2O2 changes Cr2O7–2 to CrO5 which has two (–O–O–) bonds. Oxidation state of
Cr in CrO5 is : [NEET-2014]
(1) + 6 (2) –10 (3) +5 (4) + 3

Q.33 Which of the following processes does not involve oxidation of iron ? [AIPMT -2015]
(1) Decolourization of blue CuSO4 solution by iron
(2) Formation of Fe (CO)5 from Fe
(3) Liberation of H2 from steam by iron at high temperature
(4) Rusting of iron sheets

Q.34 Substances that are oxidized and reduced in the following reaction are respectively. [AIIMS -2016]
N2H(4)(l) + 2H2O(2)(l)  N2(g) + 4H2O(l)
(1) N2H4, H2O (2) N2H4, H2O2 (3) N2, H2O2 (4) H2O, N2
 REDOX REACTION

(CBSE Previous Year's Questions)

Very Short Answer Type Questions : [1 Mark Each]

Q.1 What is the definition of oxidation number ?

Q.2 What is the definition of gram equivalent mass ?

Q.3 Define Normalityof a solution with formula ?

Q.4 Which of the following can not be oxidized ?

NO3–, CO32–, PO43–

Q.5 What is the definition of titration ?

Q.6 What do you mean by titrate ?

Q.4 Define equivalence point.

Q.8 Which of the following can show disproportionation reaction ?

ClO4– , Cl–, ClO2– , ClO3–

Q.9 Define indicator ?

Short Answer Type Questions : [2 Marks Each]

Q.10 Explain Equivalent mass of element.

Q.11 The Mn3+ ion is unstable in solution and undergoes disproportionation to give Mn2+, MnO2, and H+ ion.
Write a balanced ionic equation for the reaction.

Q.12 Manganese achieves its maximum oxidation state in which of these compounds :
KMnO4, K2MnO4, MnO2, Mn3O4

Q.13 Find the oxidation number of phosphorous in the following compounds.

(i) Phosphorus acid (H3PO3) (ii) Orthophosphoric acid (H3PO4)
(iii) Metaphosphoric acid (HPO3) (iv) Pyrophosphoric acid (H4P2O7)
 REDOX REACTION

Q.14 Predict whether the given statements are true or false :

(i) Oxidation number of oxygen is +1 in peroxides.
(ii) Oxidation number of oxygen is +2 in Oxygen difluoride.
1
(iii) Oxidation number of oxygen is – 2 in superoxides.

(iv) Oxidation number of oxygen is –2 in most of its compounds.

Q.15 Explain Iodimetric/Iodometric Titration.

Q.16 Consider the reactions :

2 S2O32– (aq) + I2(s)  S4 O6 2–(aq) + 2I–(aq)
S2O32–(aq) + 2Br2(l) + 5 H2O (l)  2SO42–(aq) + 4Br–(aq) + 10H+(aq)
Why does the same reductant, thiosulphate react differently with iodine and bromine ?

Q.17 Balance the following equations in basic medium by ion-electron method ?

(a) P4(s) + OH–(aq)  PH3(g) + H2PO2– (aq)
(b) N2H4(l) + ClO3–(aq)  NO(g) + Cl–(g)

Long Answer Type Questions: [3 Mark Each]

Q.18 Whenever a reaction between an oxidising agent and a reducing agent is carried out, a compound of
lower oxidation state is formed if the reducing agent is in excess and a compound of higher oxidation
state is formed if the oxidising agent is in excess. Justifythis statement giving two illustrations.

Q.19 Consider the elements :

Cs, Ne, I and F
(a) Identify the element that exhibits onlynegative oxidation state.
(b) Identify the element that exhibits onlypostive oxidation state.
(c) Identify the element that exhibits both positive and negative oxidation states.
(d) Identify the element which exhibits neither the negative nor does the positive oxidation state

Q.20 Calculate the oxidation number of sulphur and nitrogen in H2SO5 and NO3–
Also suggest structure of these compounds.

Q.21 By which reason temporary and permanent hardness occur? Define two method by which we can soften
the water sample.
 REDOX REACTION

Q.22 Suggest a list of the substances where carbon can exhibit oxidation states from –4 to +4 and nitrogen
from –3 to +5.

Very Long Answer Type Questions: [5 Mark Each]

Q.23 Justify that the following reactions are redox reactions:

(a) CuO(s) + H2(g)  Cu(s) + H2O(g)
(b) Fe2O3(s) + 3CO(g)  2Fe(s) + 3CO2(g)
(c) 4BCl3(g) + 3LiAlH4(s)  2B2H6(g) + 3LiCl(s) + 3 AlCl3(s)

Q.24 What is the Disproportionation Reaction & Give the example ?

Q.25 Balance the following redox reactions by ion – electron method :

(a) MnO4– (aq) + I– (aq)  MnO2 (s) + I2(s) (in basic medium)
(b) MnO4– (aq) + SO2 (g)  Mn2+ (aq) + HSO4– (aq) (in acidic solution)
(c) H2O2 (aq) + Fe2+ (aq)  Fe3+ (aq) + H2O (l) (in acidic solution)
(d) Cr2O72– + SO2(g)  Cr3+ (aq) + SO42– (aq) (in acidic solution)

Q.26 Which of the following are examples of disproportionation reactions :

(a) Ag(NH3)2+ + 2H+  Ag+ + 2NH4+ (b) CI2 + 2OH–  CIO– + CI– + H2O.
(c) Cu2O + 2 H+  Cu + Cu2+ + H2O (d) S8  S–2 + S2O3–2
(e) MnO4–  MnO42– + O2. + MnO2 (f) P4  PH3 + H2PO4–
(g) Cl2  ClO3– + Cl–
 REDOX REACTION
ANSWER KEY
EXERCISE-1
Q.1 2 Q.2 1 Q.3 1 Q.4 4 Q.5 2 Q.6 1 Q.7 3
Q.8 3 Q.9 3 Q.10 4 Q.11 4 Q.12 3 Q.13 4 Q.14 4
Q.15 2 Q.16 4 Q.17 1 Q.18 3 Q.19 2 Q.20 1 Q.21 2
Q.22 1 Q.23 3 Q.24 4 Q.25 2 Q.26 3 Q.27 4 Q.28 1
Q.29 3 Q.30 2 Q.31 3 Q.32 4 Q.33 1 Q.34 2 Q.35 4
Q.36 4 Q.37 3 Q.38 1 Q.39 3 Q.40 1 Q.41 3 Q.42 3
Q.43 3 Q.44 4 Q.45 4 Q.46 2 Q.47 3 Q.48 2 Q.49 3
Q.50 4 Q.51 4 Q.52 3 Q.53 4 Q.54 2 Q.55 2 Q.56 2
Q.57 2 Q.58 1 Q.59 2 Q.60 2 Q.61 3 Q.62 1 Q.63 3
Q.64 1 Q.65 3 Q.66 1 Q.67 4 Q.68 1 Q.69 3 Q.70 4
Q.71 3 Q.72 1 Q.73 3 Q.74 1 Q.75 3 Q.76 2 Q.77 1
Q.78 2 Q.79 1 Q.80 2 Q.81 4 Q.82 1 Q.83 3 Q.84 2
Q.85 2 Q.86 4 Q.87 3 Q.88 1 Q.89 1 Q.90 4 Q.91 2
Q.92 1 Q.93 2 Q.94 4 Q.95 1 Q.96 1 Q.97 1 Q.98 3
Q.99 2 Q.100 2 Q.101 2 Q.102 2 Q.103 2 Q.104 2 Q.105 3
Q.106 1 Q.107 1

EXERCISE-2
Q.1 4 Q.2 4 Q.3 2 Q.4 4 Q.5 4 Q.6 4 Q.7 4
Q.8 1 Q.9 3 Q.10 1 Q.11 4 Q.12 3 Q.13 2 Q.14 1
Q.15 1 Q.16 2 Q.17 2 Q.18 4 Q.19 2 Q.20 3 Q.21 3
Q.22 1 Q.23 4 Q.24 2 Q.25 3 Q.26 3 Q.27 3 Q.28 3
Q.29 1 Q.30 2 Q.31 1 Q.32 1 Q.33 3 Q.34 3 Q.35 1
Q.36 1 Q.37 4 Q.38 4 Q.39 2 Q.40 1 Q.41 2 Q.42 3
Q.43 3 Q.44 4 Q.45 3 Q.46 3 Q.47 1 Q.48 1 Q.49 4
Q.50 3 Q.51 1 Q.52 3 Q.53 3 Q.54 3 Q.55 4 Q.56 1
Q.57 1 Q.58 2 Q.59 2 Q.60 1 Q.61 1 Q.62 4 Q.63 1
Q.64 1

EXERCISE-3
Q.1 2 Q.2 3 Q.3 2 Q.4 1 Q.5 2 Q.6 2 Q.7 2
Q.8 2 Q.9 1 Q.10 3 Q.11 1

EXERCISE-4

Q.1 2 Q.2 1 Q.3 1 Q.4 1 Q.5 2 Q.6 3 Q.7 2

Q.8 4 Q.9 4 Q.10 4 Q.11 3 Q.12 1 Q.13 3 Q.14 2
Q.15 1 Q.16 2 Q.17 3 Q.18 2 Q.19 3 Q.20 3 Q.21 3
Q.22 1 Q.23 3 Q.24 3 Q.25 3 Q.26 1 Q.27 2 Q.28 2
Q.29 3 Q.30 3 Q.31 4 Q.32 1 Q.33 2 Q.34 2
 REDOX REACTION
EXERCISE-5

Q.1 Oxidation Number : It is an imaginary or apparent charge developed over atom of an element
when it goes from its elemental free state to combined state in molecules.

Q.2 Equivalent mass is a pure number which, when expressed in gram, is called gram equivalent mass.

molar mass
Equivalent mass = Valency factor

The valency factor is different for different substance.

Q.3 Normality of a solution is defined as the number of equivalents of solute present in one litre (1000 mL)
solution.
Let V mLof a solution is prepared by dissolving W g of solute of equivalent weight E in water.

W  1000
Normality (N) = E V

Q.4 NO3–, CO32–, PO43–

Q.5 Titration is a procedure for determining the concentration of a solution by allowing a carefully measured
volume to react with a standard solution of another substance, whose concentration is known.

Q.6 Solution consisting of substance to be estimated, generally taken in a beaker and this is known as titrate.

Q.4 It is the point when number of equivalents of titrant added becomes equal to number of equivalents of
titrate.

Q.8 ClO2– , ClO3–

Q.9 An auxiliary substance added for physical detection of completion of titration at equivalence point. It
generally shows colour change on completion of titration.

Q.10 Number of parts by mass of an element which reacts or displaces from a compound 1.008 parts by
mass of hydrogen, 8 parts by mass of oxygen and 35.5 parts by mass of chlorine, is known as the
equivalent weight of that element.

Q.11 2 Mn+3 (aq) + 2 H2O (l)  MnO2 (s) + Mn2+ (aq) + 4 H+ (aq)
 REDOX REACTION

( 7 ) ( 6) ( 4 ) 8/3
Q.12 KMnO 4 > K 2MnO 4 > MnO2 > Mn3O4

Q.13 (i) + 3 (ii) + 5 (iii) + 5 (iv) + 5

Q.14 (i) F (ii) T (iii) T (iv) T

Q.15 Iodine is a moderately strong oxidising agent and can be used to titrate reducing agent.
The redox titration involving iodine solution as an oxidant eg. Na2S2O3 vs I2 are called iodimetric
titration.
The reaction is Na2S2O3 + I2  Na2S4O6 + 2NaI
In the indirect method, commonly known as Iodometry, the oxidizing agent, which is to be determine is
treated with excess of iodide ion under suitable condition. Iodine is liberated quantitativelyand estimated
by titrating with a standard thioslphate solution.
2CuSO4 + 4KI  Cu2I2 + 2K2SO4 + I2
I2 + 2Na2S2O3  Na2S4O6 + 2NaI

Q.16 The average O.N. of S in S2O32– is + 2 while in S4O62– it is + 2.5. The O.N. of S in SO42– is + 6. Since
Br2 is a stronger oxidising agent that 2, it oxidised S of S2O32– to a higher oxidation state of +6 and hence
from SO42– ion.2, however, being a weaker oxidising agent oxidises S of S2O32– ion to a lower oxidation
of + 2.5 in S4O62– ion. It is because of this reason that thiosulphate reacts differently with Br2 and 2.

Q.17 (a) P4(s) +3 OH–(aq) + 3 H2O (l)  PH3(g) + 3 H2PO2– (aq)

(b) 3 N2H4(l) +4 ClO3–(aq)  6 NO(g) + 4 Cl– (g) + 6 H2O (l)

Q.18 (i) C is reducing agent while O2 is an oxidising agent. If excess of carbon is burnt in a limited supply of
O2, CO is formed in which the oxidation state of C is + 2. If however, excess of O2 is used, the initially
formed CO gets oxidised to CO2 in which oxidation state of C is + 4.
2 4
2 C (s) + O2 (g)  2 CO (g) ; C (s) + O2 (g)  CO2 (g)
(Excess) (Excess)
(ii) P4 is reducing agent while Cl2 is an oxidising agent. When excess of P4 is used , PCl3 is formed in
which the oxidation state of P is + 3. If however , excess of Cl2 is used , the initially formed PCl3 reacts
further to form PCl5 in which the oxidation state of P is + 5
3 5
P4 (s) + 6 Cl2 (g)  4 PCl3 ; P4 (s) + 10 Cl2  4 PCl5
(Excess) (Excess)
 REDOX REACTION

(iii) Na is reducing agent while O2 is an oxidising agent. When excess of Na is used, sodium oxide is
formed in which the oxidation state of O is – 2. If however, excess of O2 is used, Na2O2 is formed in
which the oxidation state of O is – 1 which is higher than – 2.
–2 –1
4 Na (s) + O2 (g)  Na2 O (s) ; 2 Na (s) + 2 O2 (g)  Na2 O 2 (s)
(Excess) (Excess)

Q.19 (a) F : Fluorine being the most electonegative element shows only a negative oxidation state of – 1.
(b) Cs : Alkali metals becuase of the presence of single electron in the valence shell so the oxidation
number is + 1
(c) I : Beacuse of the presence of seven electron in the valence shell it shows –1, +1, +3, +5, +7
oxidation number.
(d) Ne : It is an inert gas and hence it neither shows negative nor positive oxidation state.

Q.20 (i) O.N. of S in H2SO5.

By conventional method, the O.N. of S in H2SO5 is 2 (+ 1) + x + 5 (–2) = 0 or x = + 8.
This is impossible because the maximum O.N. of S cannot be more than six since it has onlysix electrons
in the valence shell. This fallacy is overcome if we calculate the O.N. of S by chemical bonding method.
The structure of H2SO5 is

2 × (+1) + x + 2 (–1) + 3 × (–2) = 0 or x=+6

for (H) (for S) for( O– O) for other O atoms)
(ii) O.N. of N is NO 3–

According to chemical bonding method ,

x + 1 (–1) + 1 (–2) + 1 (–2) = 0 or x = + 5

( for O– ) (for = O) for  O
Thus, there is no fallacyabout the oxidation number of N in NO3– whether one calculates by conventional
method or by chemical bonding method.

Q.21 Temporary hardness - due to bicarbonates of Ca & Mg

 REDOX REACTION
Permanent hardness - due to chlorides & sulphates of Ca & Mg.
There are some method by which we can soften the water sample.
(a) Byboiling: 2HCO3–  H2O + CO2 + CO32–
or By Slaked lime : Ca(HCO3)2 + Ca(OH)2  CaCO3 + 2H2O
Ca2+ + CO32–  CaCO3
(b) By Washing Soda : CaCl2 + Na2CO3  CaCO3 + 2NaCl
(c) By ion exchange resins : Na2R + Ca2+  CaR + 2Na+
(d) By adding chelating agents like (PO3–)3 etc.

Q.22 Com pound O.No. of Ca rbon Com pound O.No. of Ca rbon

CH4 –4 NH 3 –3
CH 3CH 3 –3 NH 2 –NH2 –2
CH2 =CH 2 or CH 3 Cl –2 NH=NH –1
CH CH –1 NN 0
CH2 Cl 2 0 N2O +1
C2 Cl2 or C 6Cl 6 +1 NO +2
CO or CHCl 3 +2 N2O 3 +3
C2 Cl 6 or (COOH)2 +3 N2O 4 +4
CO 2 or CCl4 +4 N2O 5 +5

2 – 2 0 0 1 –2
Q.23 (a) Cu O (s) + H2 (g)  Cu (s) + H2 O (g)

Here, O is removed from CuO, therefore, it is reduced to Cu while O is added to H2 to from H2O,
therefore, it is oxidised. Further, O.N. of Cu decreases from + 2 in CuO to 0 in Cu but that of H
increases from 0 in H2
to + 1 in H2O. Therefore, CuO is reduced to Cu but H2 is oxidised to H2O. Thus, this is a redox
reaction.
3 –2  2 0 4
(b) Fe 2 O3 (s) + 3 CO (g)  2 Fe (s) + 3 CO2 (g)

Here O.N. of Fe decreases from + 3 in Fe2O3 to 0 in Fe while that of C increases from + 2 in CO to +

4 in CO2. Further, oxygen is removed from Fe2O3 and added to CO, therefore, Fe2O3 is reduced while
CO is oxidised. Thus, this is a redox reaction.
3 –1 1  3 –1 – 3 1 1 –1  3 –1
(c) 4 B Cl3 (g) + Li Al H4 (s)  2 B 2 H6 (g) + Li Cl (s) + 3 Al Cl3 (s)
 REDOX REACTION

Here, O.N. of B decreases from + 3 in BCl3 to – 3 in B2H6 while that of H increases from – 1 in LiAlH4
to + 1 in LiCl . Therefore, BCl3 is reduced while LiAlH4 is oxidised. Further, H is added to BCl3 but is
removed from LiAlH4 . therefore, BCl3 is reduced while LiAlH4 is oxidised. thus, it is a redox reaction.

Q.24 Disproportionation Reaction : A redox reaction in which same element present in a particular
compound in a definite oxidation state is oxidized as well as reduced simultaneously is a
disproportionation reaction. Disproportionation reactions are a special type of redox reactions. One
of the reactants in a disproportionation reaction always contains an element that can exist in at least
three oxidation states. The element in the form of reacting substance is in the intermediate oxidation
state and both higher and lower oxidation states of that element are formed in the reaction. For example:
1 2 0
2H2O2 (aq)  2H2O () + O 2 (g)

0 2 2
S8 (s) +12OH¯(aq)  4S 2  (aq) + 2S 2O 23  (aq) + 6H2O ()

0 1 1
Cl2 (g) + 2OH¯(aq)  ClO  (aq) + Cl  (aq) + H2O ()

Q.25 (a) 2MnO4– (aq) + 6 I– (aq) + 4 H2O (l)  2 MnO2 (s) + 3 I2 (s) + 8 OH– (in basic medium)
(b) 2 MnO4– (aq) + 5 SO2 + 2 H2O (l) + H+ (aq)  2 Mn2+ (aq) + 5 HSO4– (aq) (in acidic solution)
(c) H2O2 (aq) + 2 Fe2+ (aq) + 2 H+ (aq)  2 Fe3+ (aq) + 2 H2O (l) (in acidic solution)
(d) Cr2O72– + 3 SO2(g) + 2H+ (aq)  2 Cr3+ (aq) + 3 SO42– (aq) + H2O (l) (in acidic solution)

Q.26 Disproportionation reaction  b,c,d,f,g.