View Full Version : oxidation and reduction question.


Smooth Operater
10-06-2006, 06:42 PM
3NO2 + H2O --> 2HNO3 + NO

what is the role of NO2 in this redox rxn?

a. it is an oxidizing agent only
b. it is a reducing agent only
c. it is both an oxidizing and reducing agent
d. it is neither an oxidizing nor a reducing agent.

The correct is C. But I don't know how to approach this question to solve. If you know, plz explain. Thanks! :D

busdent
10-06-2006, 07:17 PM
3NO2 + H2O --> 2HNO3 + NO

what is the role of NO2 in this redox rxn?

a. it is an oxidizing agent only
b. it is a reducing agent only
c. it is both an oxidizing and reducing agent
d. it is neither an oxidizing nor a reducing agent.

The correct is C. But I don't know how to approach this question to solve. If you know, plz explain. Thanks! :D


you sure it's not 3 NO2(-)

busdent
10-06-2006, 07:21 PM
lets work with what you have.

3 NO2 : Nitrogen has a oxidation # of +4

in 2HNO3 : Nitrogen has a oxidation # of +5 (so NO2 got Oxidized)

in NO : Nitrogen has a oxidation # of +2 (so NO2 got Reduced)

therefore the answer is C.

doc toothache
10-07-2006, 09:56 PM
lets work with what you have.

3 NO2 : Nitrogen has a oxidation # of +4

in 2HNO3 : Nitrogen has a oxidation # of +5 (so NO2 got Oxidized)

in NO : Nitrogen has a oxidation # of +2 (so NO2 got Reduced)

therefore the answer is C.

in 2HNO3: Nitrogen has an oxidation # of +5(so NO2 got Oxidized) and acts as the reducing agent
in NO: nitrogen has an oxidation # of +2 (so NO2 got reduced) and acts as the oxydizing agent