/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 9 What kind of reaction is the "wa... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 4: Problem 9

What kind of reaction is the "water-splitting" reaction? \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}(l) \longrightarrow \mathrm{H}_{2}(g)+1 / 2 \mathrm{O}_{2}(g)\) (a) an acid-base reaction (b) a metathesis reaction (c) a redox reaction (d) a precipitation reaction [Section 4.4]

Short Answer

Expert verified
The water-splitting reaction, \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{O}(l) \longrightarrow \mathrm{H}_{2}(g) + \frac{1}{2}\mathrm{O}_{2}(g)\), is (c) a redox reaction, as it involves changes in the oxidation states of hydrogen and oxygen.

Step by step solution

01

Analyze the reactants and products of the reaction

The reactants of the reaction are: \[ \mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{O}(l) \] The products of the reaction are: \[ \mathrm{H}_{2}(g) + \frac{1}{2}\mathrm{O}_{2}(g) \] Now that we have the reactants and products, it is time to evaluate the reaction based on the given types.
02

Identify the type of the reaction as acid-base, metathesis, redox, or precipitation

We now analyze each reaction type: (a) An acid-base reaction is a reaction in which an acid reacts with a base, and the products are a salt and water. In this case, the only reactant is water. The reaction is not an acid-base reaction since there is no acid and base involved in the reaction. (b) A metathesis reaction (also called a double displacement reaction) involves the exchange of two ionic species between two compounds. In this case, there is only one compound, water, with no ions. Thus, this reaction is not a metathesis reaction. (c) A redox reaction is a reaction that involves the transfer of electrons. In the given reaction, hydrogen (H) is changing states from +1 in water (as part of the hydroxyl group) to 0 in the hydrogen gas molecule (\(\mathrm{H}_2\)). Oxygen (O) is also changing states, from -2 in the water to 0 in the oxygen gas molecule (\(\mathrm{O}_2\)). Due to these changes in the oxidation states, the water-splitting reaction is a redox reaction. (d) A precipitation reaction is a reaction in which two soluble salts react to form an insoluble salt (the precipitate) and a soluble salt. There are no salts involved in this reaction, so it is not a precipitation reaction. Therefore, based on our analysis, the water-splitting reaction is:
03

Answer

(c) a redox reaction

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Oxidation States
Oxidation states are a fundamental concept in understanding redox reactions. They serve as a kind of book-keeping system that helps chemists determine the electron ownership of individual atoms within a molecule. In a substance, the oxidation state indicates whether atoms have gained, lost, or shared electrons compared to their elemental form.
In the water-splitting reaction
  • Hydrogen starts with an oxidation state of +1 as a part of water (H2O), and shifts to 0 in hydrogen gas (H2).
  • Oxygen starts with an oxidation state of -2 in water and shifts to 0 in molecular oxygen ( O2).
This change denotes that oxidation and reduction are occurring, a hallmark characteristic of redox reactions. In oxidation, an atom's oxidation state increases, whereas in reduction, it decreases. Identifying the change in oxidation states is crucial for recognizing redox reactions.
Electron Transfer
Electron transfer is at the heart of redox reactions, driving the processes of oxidation and reduction. In the context of water-splitting, electrons are transferred between atoms, leading to shifts in oxidation states.
During the reaction:
  • Hydrogen atoms gain electrons to form H2, which is a reduction process.
  • Conversely, oxygen atoms lose electrons forming O2, indicating oxidation.
Understanding electron transfer is vital for comprehending why redox reactions, such as this one, are unique. Electrons move between atoms or molecules, causing one to be oxidized and the other to be reduced, which is why these processes are always happening simultaneously. Tracking electron movement enables predictions about the behavior of redox reactions in various chemical scenarios.
Chemical Reactions
Chemical reactions describe the transformation of compounds via the breaking and forming of chemical bonds. In the water-splitting reaction, water molecules are subjected to conditions that compel them to separate into hydrogen and oxygen gases.
Various chemical reactions have unique characteristics. While acid-base reactions involve proton transfers and metathesis reactions pertain to ionic exchanges, redox reactions stand out by involving the transfer of electrons. The water-splitting reaction exemplifies a redox reaction, as it involves electron exchange, but does not align with the characteristics of acid-base, metathesis, or precipitation reactions. By cleavage of O-H bonds and formation of H-H and O-O bonds, this reaction highlights the dynamic nature of chemical bonding and transformations within reactions.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Would you expect that an anion would be physically closer to the oxygen or to the hydrogens of water molecules that surround it in solution?

Calculate the concentration of each ion in the following solutions obtained by mixing: (a) \(32.0 \mathrm{~mL}\) of \(0.30 \mathrm{M} \mathrm{KMnO}_{4}\) (b) \(60.0 \mathrm{~mL}\) of \(0.100 \mathrm{M} \mathrm{ZnCl}_{2}^{+}\) with \(15.0 \mathrm{~mL}\) of \(0.60 \mathrm{MKMnO}_{4}\) with \(5.0 \mathrm{~mL}\) of \(0.200 \mathrm{M} \mathrm{Zn}\left(\mathrm{NO}_{3}\right)_{2},(\mathbf{c}) 4.2 \mathrm{~g}\) of \(\mathrm{CaCl}_{2}\) in \(150.0 \mathrm{~mL}\) of \(0.02 M \mathrm{KCl}\) solution. Assume that the volumes are additive.

True or false: (a) If a substance is oxidized, there must be more oxygen in the substance. (b) If a substance is oxidized, it must lose at least one electron and form an anion.

The following reactions (note that the arrows are pointing only one direction) can be used to prepare an activity series for the halogens: $$ \begin{array}{c} \mathrm{Br}_{2}(a q)+2 \mathrm{NaI}(a q) \longrightarrow 2 \mathrm{NaBr}(a q)+\mathrm{I}_{2}(a q) \\ \mathrm{Cl}_{2}(a q)+2 \mathrm{NaBr}(a q) \longrightarrow 2 \mathrm{NaCl}(a q)+\mathrm{Br}_{2}(a q) \end{array} $$ (a) Which elemental halogen would you predict is the most stable, upon mixing with other halides? (b) Predict whether a reaction will occur when elemental chlorine and potassium iodide are mixed. (c) Predict whether a reaction will occur when elemental bromine and lithium chloride are mixed.

Label each of the following substances as an acid, base, salt, or none of the above. Indicate whether the substance existsin aqueous solution entirely in molecular form, entirely as ions, or as a mixture of molecules and ions. (a) HF, (b) acetonitrile, \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{CN},(\mathbf{c}) \mathrm{NaClO}_{4},\) (d) \(\mathrm{Ba}(\mathrm{OH})_{2} \cdot\)
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation

The Earths Atmosphere

Read Explanation

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation

Kinetics

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.