Question

1.
a)Balance the following equation:

C₁₅H₃₂ + O₂ --> CO₂ + H₂O

What is the sum of the coefficients in the balanced chemical equation?

b)Determine the oxidation state of phosphorus in PO₄^2-.

-if the answer is a positive number, do not include the plus sign (+) in your answer
-if the answer is a negative number, DO include the minus sign (-) in your answer

c)In order for oxidation to occur, one of the reactants must be reduced. 

 True

 False

Answer 1

a) Balance the following equation:

C15H32 + O2 --> CO2 + H2O

Balance C atoms   C15H32 + O2 --> 15CO2 + H2O

Balance H atoms : C15H32 + O2 --> 15CO2 + 16H2O

Balance O atoms : C15H32 + 23O2 --> 15CO2 + 16H2O

Sum of the coefficients = 1+23+15+16 = 55

b)Let x be the oxidation state of P

The general oxidation state of O is -2

We know that the sum of the oxidation state of all the elements in a compound is equal to charge present on the compound

So x + 4(-2) = -3

x = +5

Therefore the oxidation state of P in PO4 3- is +5

c) In oxidation the oxidation state of element increases so one of the reactant is oxidized

So the given statement is FALSE