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Chapter 20: Problem 1

In the Bronsted-Lowry concept of acids and bases, acid-base reactions are viewed as proton-transfer reactions. The stronger the acid, the weaker is its conjugate base. If we were to think of redox reactions in a similar way, what particle would be analogous to the proton? Would strong oxidizing agents be analogous to strong acids or strong bases? [Sections 20.1 and 20.2\(]\)

Short Answer

Expert verified
In redox reactions, the particle analogous to the proton in Bronsted-Lowry acid-base reactions is the electron. Strong oxidizing agents are analogous to strong acids, as both involve easy transfer of their respective particles (protons and electrons).

Step by step solution

01

Understand Bronsted-Lowry concept of acids and bases

The Bronsted-Lowry theory defines acids as substances that donate protons (H⁺) and bases as substances that accept protons. In other words, acid-base reactions are proton-transfer reactions.
02

Understand redox reactions

Redox reactions (reduction-oxidation reactions) are chemical reactions in which atoms have their oxidation state changed, involving a transfer of electrons. In these reactions, one species loses electrons (oxidation) while another gains electrons (reduction).
03

Identify the analogous particle in redox reactions

The proton (H⁺) is the species being transferred in Bronsted-Lowry acid-base reactions. In redox reactions, the species being transferred are electrons. Therefore, the particle analogous to the proton in redox reactions is the electron.
04

Determine the analogy between strong oxidizing agents and strong acids/bases

Strong oxidizing agents are substances that are capable of gaining electrons easily, meaning they can oxidize other species readily. In a similar fashion, strong acids donate protons easily. So, strong oxidizing agents are analogous to strong acids. In conclusion, in redox reactions, the electron is analogous to the proton in Bronsted-Lowry acid-base reactions. Strong oxidizing agents are analogous to strong acids because they both involve easy transfer of their respective particles (protons and electrons).

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Most popular questions from this chapter

The standard reduction potential of \(\mathrm{Eu}^{2+}(a q)\) is \(-0.43 \mathrm{V}\) . Using Appendix E, which of the following substances is capable of reducing Eu' \((a q)\) to \(\mathrm{Eu}^{2+}(a q)\) under standard conditions: Al, Co, \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{2}, \mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{5}^{+}, \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4} ?\)

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(a) Calculate the mass of Li formed by electrolysis of molten LiCl by a current of \(7.5 \times 10^{4}\) A flowing for a period of 24 \(\mathrm{h} .\) Assume the electrolytic cell is 85\(\%\) efficient. (b) What is the minimum voltage required to drive the reaction?

Gold exists in two common positive oxidation states, \(+1\) and \(+3 .\) The standard reduction potentials for these oxidation states are $$ \begin{array}{ll}{\mathrm{Au}^{+}(a q)+\mathrm{e}^{-}} \quad {\longrightarrow \mathrm{Au}(s) \quad E_{\mathrm{red}}^{\circ}=+1.69 \mathrm{V}} \\\ {\mathrm{Au}^{3+}(a q)+3 \mathrm{e}^{-} \longrightarrow \mathrm{Au}(s)} \quad {E_{\mathrm{red}}^{\circ}=+1.50 \mathrm{V}}\end{array} $$ (a) Can you use these data to explain why gold does not tarnish in the air? ( b) Suggest several substances that should be strong enough oxidizing agents to oxidize gold metal. (c) Miners obtain gold by soaking gold-containing ores in an aqueous solution of sodium cyanide. A very soluble complex ion of gold forms in the aqueous solution because of the redox reaction $$ \begin{array}{rl}{4 \mathrm{Au}(s)+8 \mathrm{NaCN}(a q)+2} & {\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}(l)+\mathrm{O}_{2}(g)} \\ {\longrightarrow} & {4 \mathrm{Na}\left[\mathrm{Au}(\mathrm{CN})_{2}\right](a q)+4 \mathrm{NaOH}(a q)}\end{array} $$ What is being oxidized, and what is being reduced in this reaction? (d) Gold miners then react the basic aqueous product solution from part (c) with Zn dust to get gold metal. Write a balanced redox reaction for this process. What is being oxidized, and what is being reduced?
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