Identify the species oxidized, the species reduced, the oxidizing agent and the reducing agent in the following electron transfer reaction.
3Sn2+ + 2Cr —–> 3Sn + 2Cr3+
As the reaction proceeds, electrons are transferred from ___to ___.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
In the reaction:
[ 3 \text{Sn}^{2+} + 2 \text{Cr} \rightarrow 3 \text{Sn} + 2 \text{Cr}^{3+} ]
Species Oxidized:
In this reaction, tin (( \text{Sn}^{2+} )) is oxidized. Oxidation involves the loss of electrons. Here, ( \text{Sn}^{2+} ) loses electrons to form solid tin (Sn), so tin is oxidized.
Species Reduced:
Chromium (Cr) is reduced. Reduction involves the gain of electrons. In the reaction, chromium (Cr) gains electrons to form ( \text{Cr}^{3+} ), so chromium is reduced.
Oxidizing Agent:
The oxidizing agent is the species that accepts electrons. In this case, ( \text{Sn}^{2+} ) accepts electrons from chromium (Cr), so ( \text{Sn}^{2+} ) is the oxidizing agent.
Reducing Agent:
The reducing agent is the species that donates electrons. In this reaction, chromium (Cr) donates electrons to ( \text{Sn}^{2+} ) and is thus the reducing agent.
As the reaction proceeds, electrons are transferred from chromium (Cr) to tin (Sn). This means chromium is losing electrons (oxidized) while tin is gaining electrons (reduced).
Explanation:
To break down the reaction:
- Oxidation of Tin:
Each ( \text{Sn}^{2+} ) ion loses 2 electrons to form solid tin (Sn). This is the oxidation part of the reaction. [
\text{Sn}^{2+} \rightarrow \text{Sn} + 2e^-
] - Reduction of Chromium:
Chromium metal (Cr) gains 3 electrons to form ( \text{Cr}^{3+} ). This is the reduction part of the reaction. [
\text{Cr} + 3e^- \rightarrow \text{Cr}^{3+}
]
Thus, electrons are transferred from chromium to tin as chromium is oxidized, and tin is reduced.
Let me generate an image that illustrates this electron transfer.
Here is the diagram illustrating the electron transfer between chromium (Cr) and tin (Sn). It shows how chromium is oxidized (loses electrons) and tin is reduced (gains electrons) in the reaction. Let me know if you need further clarification!
