Question

Substances X₂, Y₂, and Z₂ can all act as oxidizing agents. In solution X₂ is green, Y₂ is yellow, and Z₂ is red. In the reactions in which they participate, they are reduced to X^–, Y^–, and Z^– ions, all of which are colorless. A solution of X₂ is mixed with one containing Y^– ions. The color changes from green to yellow.

a.         Write the net equation for the reaction.

b.         Which species is oxidized?

c.         Which species is the oxidizing agent?

d.         Which is the better oxidizing agent, X₂ or Y₂?

Answer 1

Substances X₂, Y₂, and Z₂ can all act as oxidizing agents. In solution X₂ is green, Y₂ is yellow, and Z₂ is red. In the reactions in which they participate, they are reduced to X^–, Y^–, and Z^– ions, all of which are colorless. A solution of X₂ is mixed with one containing Y^– ions. The color changes from green to yellow.

1) solution of X2 (green) is mixed with one containing Y- (colourless)

The change in colour is green to yellow

which means that X2 gets converted to X- and Y- to Y2

a) the net equation

X2 + 2Y- ---> Y2 + 2X-

b) Y- gets oxidized to Y2 (oxidaiton number increases from -1 to 0)

c) the one which undergoes reduction will be oxidizing agent

so X2 will be oxidizing agent

d) As X2 is able to oxidize Y- so X2 is better oxidizing agent