Question

highschool chemistry question?

Answer 1

For the following reaction, identify the element that was oxidized, the element that was reduced, and the reducing agent. Give an explanation for each answer.

SnCl2 + PbCl4 --> SnCl4 + PbCl2

Answer 2

Reduction is the gain of electrons or a decrease in oxidation state by a molecule, atom, or ion yes?

Answer 3

correct @HyperChemist

Answer 4

SnCl2 + PbCl4 --> SnCl4 + PbCl2

SnCl2 has an oxidation state of +2
SnCl4 has an oxidation state of +4

PbCl4 has an oxidation state of +4
PbCl2 has an oxidation state of +2

SnCl2 + 2e- = SnCl4

PbCl4 -> PbCl2 + 2e-

Answer 5

Remember reduction is the acceptance of electrons
Oxidation is the loss of electrons

Answer 6

Thus the oxidating agent would be the one donating the electrons

Answer 7

Oxidation state is the charge atoms would have if every bond was a 100% ionic

Answer 8

cl-, sn+2, cl-.......

Answer 9

It is a good idea to write reactions like this into two reactions to determine which is getting the electrons and what is donating the electrons

Answer 10

does this mean that cl lost 2 electrons? and that sn gained two?

Answer 11

the Sn would have to gain 2 electrons in order to bond to 4Cl, I believe

Answer 12

Ok, I see.....may I please ask why you wrote it like sn-?

Answer 13

sn-?

Answer 14

ooh...nvm, I see...

Answer 15

may I also write why you wrote it in two parts rather than 2sn-?

Answer 16

Oh, I mean, Cl-2.

Answer 17

yeah I made a mistake :)

Answer 18

oh man whats wrong with me today...sorry...

Answer 19

oh really? hmmm, explain please.

Answer 20

Sn+2 + 2e- -> Sn+4

Pb+4 -> Pb+2 + 2e-

Answer 21

I dont think I should have included the ligands

Answer 22

or chlorine rather

Answer 23

ok then, 2e- is the number of electrons lost? and in the produce is gained?

Answer 24

also down...Pb+4-=pb+ 2e-....

Answer 25

Sn is reduced and gains two electrons and thus increasing the chlorine ligands from 2 to 4

Pb is oxidized and loses 2 electrons reducing its chlorine ligands to 2

Answer 26

Sn is the oxidizing agent because it removes electrons from Pb

Answer 27

I think I can clearly see this now...you just taught me a whole day of school sir, I actually never seen this before, thank you very much for showing me this, I have a better understanding now.

Answer 28

have a nice night.

Answer 29

No problem yeah this stuff always seemed fuzzy to me until I explained it to you

Answer 30

Sorry - I had fell asleep last night. But anyways, thanks for discussing this all on my question, I understand it pretty well now. :)

Answer 31

Australopithecus, really nice explanation. Well done!