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Multiple Choice
Considering the redox reaction Cr + Ni²⁺ → Cr³⁺ + Ni, how many electrons are transferred in the balanced reaction?
A
1 electron
B
3 electrons
C
2 electrons
D
4 electrons
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1
Identify the oxidation states of the elements in the reactants and products. Chromium (Cr) starts with an oxidation state of 0 and changes to +3 in Cr³⁺. Nickel (Ni) starts with an oxidation state of +2 in Ni²⁺ and changes to 0 in Ni.
Determine the change in oxidation state for each element. Chromium goes from 0 to +3, indicating it loses 3 electrons. Nickel goes from +2 to 0, indicating it gains 2 electrons.
Write the half-reactions for oxidation and reduction. The oxidation half-reaction is Cr → Cr³⁺ + 3e⁻, and the reduction half-reaction is Ni²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Ni.
Balance the number of electrons transferred in each half-reaction. To balance the electrons, multiply the oxidation half-reaction by 2 and the reduction half-reaction by 3, so both involve 6 electrons.
Combine the balanced half-reactions to form the overall balanced redox reaction, ensuring that the number of electrons lost equals the number of electrons gained.