Define reduction in terms of electron transfer. The diagram shows a piece of zinc in copper sulfate solution. Initially the zinc is silver-grey and the solution is blue. A reaction takes place which may be represented by the following equation. $$ ext{Zn} + ext{Cu}^{2+} ightarrow ext{Zn}^{2+} + ext{Cu}$$ (i) Which species has been reduced? (ii) How many electrons were transferred in the reduction? (iii) State any two changes you would observe as the reaction proceeds. (iv) Metals can be listed in the order of their ability to be oxidised. What is this list called?

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Define reduction in terms of electron transfer - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question 4 - 2009

Question 4

Define reduction in terms of electron transfer. The diagram shows a piece of zinc in copper sulfate solution. Initially the zinc is silver-grey and the solution is ... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Define reduction in terms of electron transfer - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question 4 - 2009

Step 1

Define reduction in terms of electron transfer.

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Answer

Reduction is defined as the gain of electrons by a chemical species during a reaction.

Step 2

Which species has been reduced?

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Answer

The species that has been reduced is $ext{Cu}^{2+}$ , as it gains electrons to form $ext{Cu}$ .

Step 3

How many electrons were transferred in the reduction?

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Answer

Two electrons were transferred in the reduction process.

Step 4

State any two changes you would observe as the reaction proceeds.

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Answer

The blue color of the copper sulfate solution fades as the reaction progresses.
Zinc dissolves and copper precipitates, coating the zinc with a brown (reddish) deposit.

Step 5

What is this list called?

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Answer

This list is called the electrochemical series (or activity series).

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Define reduction in terms of electron transfer - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question 4 - 2009

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Define reduction in terms of electron transfer - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question 4 - 2009

Define reduction in terms of electron transfer.

Which species has been reduced?

How many electrons were transferred in the reduction?

State any two changes you would observe as the reaction proceeds.

What is this list called?

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