Question

In Cu + HNO3 to CU2 + NO2 + H2O, deduce the oxidation state of all the elements on both reactant and product side.

Answer 1

\[Cu+HNO_3 \rightarrow Cu^{2+}+NO_2+H_2O\]LHS:
Cu: 0

H: +1
N: +5
O: -2

RHS:
Cu:+2
N: +4
O: -2

H: +1
O:-2

Answer 2

So which reactant was oxidised and which was reduced?

Answer 3

Thankyou for your help :-)

Answer 4

Well, the species that is oxidized is the species whose oxidation state is raised. The opposite is true for the species that is reduced. Therefore...

Copper is the reactant that is oxidized, and Nitrogen is the reactant that is reduced.

Answer 5

Greatr! That is really helpful, thankyou. Maybe you can help me on another organic chem question I've been attempting.
I'm trying to work out the functional groups of the compounds that make up Nyolon/. So far I have Amine, Alkane and Carboxylic Acid. Is that right?

Answer 6

Sorry, I meant Nylon.

Answer 7

I'm sorry. I can't help you with that. I've never taken an organic chem class.

Answer 8

That's ok. I appreciate your help. The only other question I have been struggling with for hours is calculating the pH for weak acids... could you help me with that?

Answer 9

For example... 2.5M NH3

Answer 10

Actually, I'm unable to help you as we JUST started our Acids and Bases chapter in my Chem 2 class (:. I'd certainly be able to help you after this Monday, when our lecture over weak acids will be, though :P

Answer 11

Haha that would be great!

Answer 12

missem your nylon functional groups are correct. you could add lactams to it(Cyclic amides:- Used in production on nylon 6)