Question

Hi! Can anyone help me out with a small redox reaction?

Answer 1

\[S2H2+HN2O2 \rightarrow (S2O6)-2 +NH2OH\]

Answer 2

How can I calculate the oxidation number for N? H is +1, and O is -2 time 2 so it's -4, is it possible the Oxidation number for N will be 1.5?!

Answer 3

@iGreen

Answer 4

Maybe there's a mistake in the question?

Answer 5

Errr...I have no idea..

Answer 6

Thanks though!

Answer 7

@JFraser What do you think?

Answer 8

ill have to look at it for a minute

Answer 9

thank you!

Answer 10

if that formula is correct, the oxidation of the nitrogen in the reactant would have to be 1.5, which doesn't happen.

I'd suggest that the formula in the reactant be \(HNO_2\), which is nitrous acid.

Answer 11

I knew it! Thanks allot! and one more clarification if I may ask, \[A: Ca^+2 +2e \rightarrow Ca (E= -2.87) or B: Rb^+2 +2e \rightarrow Rb (E= -2.925)\]

Answer 12

which one is a deuction cell and which one is the oxidizing cell?

Answer 13

reduction

Answer 14

i can't answer that with the information you've provided. Is there more?

Answer 15

no, that's all

Answer 16

they say that both of them are reduction reactions

Answer 17

but which of them is a reduction half cell and which one of them is an oxidizing half cell?

Answer 18

it doesn't make sense to answer on it without more details, is it?

Answer 19

*does it

Answer 20

@JFraser it's just gen chem but they endeavor to make hard life for us lol

Answer 21

both reactions are listed as reductions, that's true

Answer 22

but when they are \(combined\), one of them will be forced to "run" backwards and be an oxidation

Answer 23

right! but how can you tell which one of them? the answer is that A will be a reduction half cell and B will be an oxidation half cell

Answer 24

but how am I supposed to figure that out? by the E?

Answer 25

you look at the E values they give, which are the \(reduction\) potentials. The LARGER reduction potential will stay a reduction. The SMALLER reduction potential will be the reaction that flips backwards and will be the oxidation

Answer 26

so it's a negative E and hence A will go through reduction since it's bigger compared to B?

Answer 27

is that the reason?

Answer 28

@JFraser am I right?

Answer 29

A has a larger reduction potential than B, so when you pair them together, A will be the reduction and B will be flipped and be the oxidation. Yes

Answer 30

Thank you!!!! You are brilliant!!!!!

Answer 31

YW

Answer 32

I hope one day to help in return