Class-11 (Redox Reaction)

REDOX REACTION
Redox reaction keeps us alive. They help us to capture the
energy of the sun by the photosynthesis process by plants which are used
by us.

The word Redox consists of two terms (red+ox) i.e. one is

reduction and other is oxidation.

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OXIDATION: According to classical concept, oxidation is defined as the
addition of oxygen or any other electronegative elements or removal of

en
hydrogen or any other electropositive elements.

Example:

I)

II)
C

gC+

Zn + S
O2 CO2

ZnS
(addition of oxygen)

(addition of electronegative
hin
elements)

III) 2H2S + O2 2H2O +2S (removal of hydrogen)

ac

IV) 2KI + Cl2 2KCl + I2 (Removal of electronegative

elements)
Co

Oxidizing Agents: A substance which gives oxygen or electronegative

elements or removes hydrogen or any other electropositive elements is
called as oxidizing agents. For example- in 1st case 02, 2nd case – S act as
in

oxidizing agent
And in 3rd case O2 and in 4th case Cl2 act as oxidizing agent.
Ja

REDUCTION:- According to classical concept , reduction is defined as the

addition of hydrogen or any other electropositive element or removal of
oxygen or any other electronegative elements.
Example: - (1) Cl2+H2 2HCl (addition of H2)
(2) 2FeCl3+ Fe 3FeCl2 (addition of electropositive element)

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 Class-11 (Redox Reaction)

(3) CH2=CH2+H2 CH3-CH3 (addition of H2)

(4) 2HgO Δ 2Hg + O2 (removal of oxygen)
(5) SiCl4 + 4Na Si + 4NaCl (removal of electronegative
elements)
REDUCING AGENTS:- A substance which provides hydrogen or any other
electropositive elements or remove oxygen or any other electronegative
elements are called reducing [Link] H2, Fe, Na are act as reducing

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agents in the above reaction because they bring about reduction in the
reactions.
REDOX REACTION:-it may be noted that oxidation reduction reactions

en
are complementary reactions whenever any substance is oxidized, then
another substance will be reduced at the same time.

gC
→Oxidation reduction reactions are collectively called as redox
reactions. Examples are given below:
→ Oxidation
hin
2H2 + O2 2H2O
Reduction
ac

→ Oxidation
2H2S + 2FeCl3 → 2FeCl2 + 2HCl + S
Co

Reduction
→ Oxidation
in

2H2S + Cl2 2HCl + S

reduction
Ja

Question: find out oxidizing agents and reducing agents in the following
reactions:
I) 2H2 + O2 2H2O
II) 2Mg + O2 2MgO
III) H2 +Cl2 2HCl

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 Class-11 (Redox Reaction)

Note: An oxidizing agent is always reduced and a reducing

agents is itself oxidized.

ELECTRONIC CONCEPTS OF OXIDATION & REDUCTION:

OXIDATION:- according to electronic concepts oxidation may be defined

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as the process which involves the loss of electrons by an atom or group of
[Link]
I) Na Na+ + e-

en
II) MnO42- MnO4- + e-

gC
Note: loss of electrons resulting in increase in positive charge or
decrease in negative charge.
hin
REDUCTION: Reduction may be defined as the process which involves gain
of electrons by an atoms or group of atoms.
Examples: Fe3+ +e- Fe2+
ac

MnO4- + e- MnO42-
Co

Note: loss of electrons resulting in decrease in positive charge or increase

in negative charge.
in

Oxidizing Agents(oxidant) and reducing Agents(reductant):-

Ja

According to electronic concepts the substance which can accept

electrons is known as oxidizing agents. Na Na+ + e- in
this example Na is a reducing agent and it undergo oxidation.
Reducing Agents: the substances which can loss electrons is known as
reducing agents.
MnO4- + e- MnO42- in this example MnO4-
act as oxidizing agent. And it undergo reduction

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 Class-11 (Redox Reaction)

Note: according to classical concept REDOX REACTION is a electron

transfer reaction. i.e. the reaction in which one substance losses the
electrons and the other substance gain electrons is known as redox
reaction
Examples Zn + CuSO4 ZnSO4 + Cu

tre
st
Assignment 1

en
1) Identify the substance oxidized and reduced as well as oxidizing agent
and reducing agent in the reaction:

gC
2KCl + MnO2 + 2H2SO4 → K2SO4 + MnSO4 + Cl2 + 2H2O
2) Chlorine dioxide ClO2, is used to kill bacteria in the dairy, meat and soft
drinks. It is unstable but can be synthesized by the following reaction:
hin
Cl2 + 2NaClO2 → 2ClO2 + 2NaCl
Identify the substances oxidized and reduced.
ac

3) Photosynthesis involves following overall reaction:

Chlorophyll light
6CO2 + 6 H2O C6H12O6 + 6O2
Co

4) State whether the following changes involve oxidation or reduction:

a. Ferrous sulphate into ferric sulphate
in

b. Conversion of Cl2 to NaCl

Ja

c. Conversion of H2S to S
5) Which of the following reactions do not involve oxidation reduction?
a. 4KCN + Fe(CN)2 → K4[Fe(CN)6]
b. NH4Cl + NaOH → NaCl + NH3 + H2O
c. 2CuI2 → 2CuI + I2

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 Class-11 (Redox Reaction)

d. 2Rb + 2H2O → 2RbOH + H2

6) Identify the oxidizing and reducing agents in the following reactions:
10 H+ (aq) + 4Zn (s) + NO3- (aq) → 4Zn 2+ (aq) + NH4+(aq) +
3H2O (l)
7) Split the following redox reaction in the oxidation half & reduction half
2Al (s) + 3Cu2+ (aq) → 2Al 3+ + 3Cu (s)

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OXIDATION NUMBER:- It is the amount of positive or negative charge

en
present on an atom when all other atoms are removed from it as ions
Note: Oxidation no. can have +ve , -ve or zero value depending upon their
state of combination.

gC
Example in case of HCl
O.N. of hydrogen is +1
hin
O.N. of chlorine is -1
O.N. of HCl is zero.
ac

Rule for determination of oxidation no. of an atom

Co

1. Oxidation no. of an element in the free or elementary state or in the

any of its allotropic form is always zero. Examples H2, He, O2, O3, Fe
etc are presents in Free State so their O.N. is zero.
in

2. The oxidation no. of an element in a single(mono-atomic) ion is the

same as the charge present on that ion. E.g. oxidation no. of k+ is +1 ,
Ca2+ is +2. Similarly O.N. of Cl-, SO42-, PO43- are -1, -2 & - 3 respectively.
Ja

3. In the compound formation of metal & non-metal, the O.N. of metal is

always +ve while the O.N. of non-metal is always taken as negative.
E.g. in NaCl, Na have +1, Cl have -1 O.N.
4. In the combined atoms of two non-metallic atoms, the atom with
higher electro-negativity is given as –ve O.N. e.g. in case of HCl,
chlorine have -1 O.N. and Hydrogen have +1 O.N.

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 Class-11 (Redox Reaction)

5. The O.N. of hydrogen is always +1 except in case of active metal such

as LiH, NaH, KH, MgH2, CaH2 where hydrogen have -1 O.N.
6. Oxygen always have -2, except in case of Na2O2 (O.N. of oxygen have -
1) and in case of OF2 (oxidation no. of oxygen +2)
7. The O.N. of halogen group have generally -1 except when they bonded
with more electronegative than itself e.g. in case of IF5. Iodine have +5
O.N. (-3 +1)

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8. (a) For neutral molecule sum of O.N. of all the atoms is always equal
to zero. E.g. in case of NH3 {-3 +3(+1)=0}
(b) For complex ion sum of O.N. of all the atoms is equal to charge on

en
the ion. e.g. in case SO42- SO42- sulpher have +6 and oxygen have -2
O.N. i.e. {+6 + 4(-2)} =-2

I) gC
Question: Calculate the O.N. of sulpher in the following molecule/ions:
H2S, (II) H2SO3 (III) SO42- (IV) Na2S2O3 (v) S2O72- (VI)
H2SO4 (VII) S2O42-
hin
ac

Assignment 2nd
Co

1. What is the oxidation number of Mn in KMnO4 and S in Na2S2O3.

2. Write down the formulae of following compounds:
a. Mercury (II) chloride
in

b. Nickel (II) sulphate

Ja

c. Tin (II) oxide

d. Thallium (I) sulphate
e. Iron (III) sulphate
f. Chromium (III) oxide
3. What is the oxidation number of iodine in the following compounds?
(a) IF5 (b) KI (C) I2 (d) HIO4
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 Class-11 (Redox Reaction)

4. Find the oxidation number of Mg and N in magnesium nitride?

5. Find the oxidation number of Fe in Fe3O4 and in Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3
Calculate the oxidation number of sulpher in Na2S4O6.

OXIDATION, REDUCTION AND REDOX REACTION IN TERMS OF

OXIDATION NUMBER:
Oxidation is a chemical change in which there is an increase in O.N.

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Reduction is a process in which there is a decrease in O.N.
+4 -2 +1 -1 +2 -1 0 +1 -2
E g MnO2 + 4HCl MnCl2 + Cl2 + 2H2O

en
Oxidation

REDOX REACTION: Redox reaction is a process in which one substance

gC
goes to increase in O.N. while other substance goes to decrease in O.N.
Oxidizing Agents: The substance which increases the O.N. of other
substance in a chemical reaction is called as oxidizing Agents.
hin
Reducing Agents: The substance which decreases the O.N. of other
substance in a chemical reaction is called as Reducing Agents.
ac

Question: Write the difference between valency and oxidation no..

Valency Oxidation no.
Co

1. Valency is the combining 1. Oxidation no. is the charge

capacity of an atom. which an atom appears to
have when all other atoms are
in

removed as ions.
2. It does not carry any positive 2. Since it refer to charge so it
Ja

or negative charge. can be positive or negative.

3. Valency can’t be zero. (except 3. It can be [Link]. in case of
for noble gases) CH2Cl2 O.N. of carbon is zero.
4. It can’t be in fraction 4. It can be fractional value. For
example in case of O.N. of Sin
Na2S4O6 is 2.5
5. Valency generally remains 4. It may be variable.
constant.
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 Class-11 (Redox Reaction)

Question: justify that the reaction: 2Na(s) + H2(g) 2NaH (s)

is a redox reaction.
Question: Using Stock notation, represent the following compounds:
HAuCl4, Tl2O, FeO, Fe2O3, CuO, MnO and MnO2.
Answer: HAuCl4 → Au has O.N. 3 so Stock representations is HAu(III)Cl4

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Question:: justify that the reaction: 2Cu2O(s) + Cu2S(s)
6Cu(s) + SO2(g) is a redox reaction. Identify the species oxidized/reduced,
which act as oxidant and reductant?

en
Oxidation No. and Nomenclature:
When an elements form two mono-atomic cations then the cation which

gC
have less oxidation no. is end by –ous and the cation is ending with –ic
Examples: copper form two oxides Cu2O and CuO
hin
Cu2O copper (I) oxide (cuprous oxide)
CuO copper (II) oxide (cupric oxide)
ac

Assisgnment 3rd
1)
Can the reaction, Cr2O7 2- + H2O 2CrO4 2- + 2H+ be
Co

regarded as redox reaction?

2)
Identify the oxidant and reductant in the reaction:
in

H2S + HNO3 NO + S + H2O

Ja

3)
2HgCl2 + SnCl2 Hg2Cl2 + SnCl4.
In above reaction which elements are undergoing change in
their oxidation number?
TYPES OF REDOX REACTIONS:
1. Combination Reactions: The chemical reaction in which two or

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 Class-11 (Redox Reaction)

more substance combine to form a single substance are called as

combination reaction.
Example: X + Y Z
C + O2 CO2

2. Decomposition Reactions: The chemical reaction in which a

compound breakup into two or more simple substances are called as
Decomposition Reactions.

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Example Z X + Y
2H2O 2H2 + O2

en
gC
3. Displacement Reactions: The reaction in which one ion (or atom)
in a compound is replaced by an ion (or atom) of other elements are
called as displacement reactions.
hin
Examples: XY + Z XZ + Y
The displacement reactions are of two types:
ac

(a)Metal displacement
(b)Non-metal displacement
Co

(a) Metal displacement reactions: the rxn in which a metal in a

compound can be displaced by another metal in the uncombined state
is called as metal displacement reactions.
in

Eg (I) Zn + CuSO4 ZnSO4 +

Cu
Ja

(II) Fe2O3 + 2Al 2Fe +

Al2O3

(b) Non-Metal displacement reactions: The chemical reaction in

which non metal (like hydrogen or oxygen) are replaced by a metal re

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 Class-11 (Redox Reaction)

known as non-metal displacement reactions.

Examples 2Na + 2H2O 2NaOH +
H2
Fe + 2HCl FeCl2 +
H2

4. Disproportionation Reactions: Disproportionation reactions are

those reactions in which an element in oxidation state is

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simultaneously oxidized and reduced. i.e. the element in the form of
reacting substance is in the intermediate O.S. an both higher and
lower O.S. exists for that element in a single reaction.

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E.g. REDUCED

gC
(I) 2H2O2(aq) 2H2O(l) + O2(g)
OXIDISED
In this reaction, oxidation no. of oxygen decreases from -1 to -2 (in H2O)
hin
and increases from -1 to 0 (in O2).
(II) reduction
ac

Cl2 + 2OH- -> ClO- + Cl- + H2O

oxidation
Co
in

Question: Which of the following species, do not show disproporationation

reaction and why?
Ja

- - - -
ClO , ClO2 , ClO3 , ClO4

Question: classify the following redox reactions. Also give reason for
support of your answer.

(i) N2 + O2 2NO

(ii) 2Pb(NO3)2 2PbO + 2NO2 + 1/2O2

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 Class-11 (Redox Reaction)

(iii) NaH + H2O NaOH + H2

(iv) 2NO2 + 2OH- NO2- +NO3- H2O

BALANCING OF REDOX REACTIONS:

There are no. of methods for balancing of redox reactions mainly two
methods are important. These are given below:

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(I) Oxidation no. method.
(II) Ion-electron method or half equation method.

en
OXIDATION NO. METHOD: For balancing eq. using this method we must
have known about the composition and the formulas of those substances

be used:
gC
which react and form in the reaction. For this method following step must

Step 1.: Write the correct formula for each reactant and product.
hin
Step 2. Indicate the O.N. of all atoms in each compound above the symbol
of the element.
ac

Step 3. Identify the elements which undergo a change in O.N.

Step 4. Calculate the increase or decrease in O.N. per atom.
Co

Step 5. Equate the increase in O.N. with decrease in O.N. on the reactant
side by multiplying the formulae of the oxidizing and reducing agents.
in

Step 6. Balance the eq. with respect to all other atoms except hydrogen and
oxygen.
Ja

Step 7. Finally balance hydrogen and oxygen.

 For balancing of oxygen add water molecules to the side deficient I it.
 For balancing of hydrogen atoms depends upon depends upon the
medium (acidic or basic ) as explained below:
 For reaction which takes place in acidic medium add H+ ions to
the side deficient in hydrogen atoms.
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 For reaction which takes place in basic medium add H2O

molecule to the side deficient in hydrogen atoms and
simultaneously add equal no. of OH- ions on the other side.
Step 8. Finally balance the eq. by cancelling the common species present on
both sides of the equation.
Question: complete the reaction which takes place b/w zinc and
hydrochloride.

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Solution: step1. The skeleton eq. is

Zn + HCl ZnCl2 + H2

en
Step 2. 0 +1 -1 +2 -1 0
Zn + HCl ZnCl2 + H2

Step 4.
gC
Step 3. Zinc and chlorine atoms goes to change in O.N.

O.N. increase by 2
hin
0 +1 -1 +2 -1 0
Zn + HCl ZnCl2 + H2
ac

O.N. decreases by 1

Step 5. The increase in O.N. of 2 per atom can be balanced with decrease in O.N. per
Co

atom if Zn atoms are multiply by 1 and HCl by 2

So eq. becomes
Zn + 2HCl ZnCl2 + H2
in

Step 6. Balance all other atoms on both side of the eq. by chance they are equal in this
eq. otherwise we will equate them
Ja

Hence balanced chemical eq. is

Zn + HCl ZnCl2 + H2

Example2 copper react with nitric acid. A brown gas is formed and the
-
solution turns bluw. The eq. may be represented as: Cu + NO3 →

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 Class-11 (Redox Reaction)
2+
NO2 + Cu

Balance this eq. by O.N. method

Solution: step1. The skeleton eq. is

- 2+
Cu + NO3 NO2 + Cu

Step2. Writing O.N.

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0 +5 -2 +4 -2 +2
- 2+
Cu + NO3 NO2 + Cu

en
gC
Step3. Copper and nitrogen goes to change in O.N.
hin
Step4. Increase in O.N. by 2
0 +5 -2 +4 -2 +2
Cu + NO3- NO2 + Cu2+
ac

Decrease in O.N. by 1

-
Co

Step5. Balance the increase/ decrease in O.N. by multiply NO3 by 2 and Cu

by 1
-
Cu + 2NO3 NO2 + Cu2+
in
Ja

Step6. Balance all other atoms except H and O atoms.

-
Cu + 2NO3 2NO2 + Cu2+

Step7. As reaction take place in acidic medium so add H+ ions to the side
deficient in H+ and balance H and O atoms:
- +
Cu + 2 NO3 + 4H 2NO2 + Cu2+ + 2H2O

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 Class-11 (Redox Reaction)

ION ELECTRON METHOD (OR BALANCING EQUTION USING HALF REACTIONS):

THE following steps must be taken—

Step 1. Write the skeleton eq. also write the O.N. of each element. And then
find the oxidizing agent and reducing agents.

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Step 2. Separate the equation into two half reactions, i.e. Oxidation half and
reduction half.

en
Step 3. Balance half equations by the following steps:

(I) Balance all atoms other than H and O.

(II)
gC
Calculate the O.N. on both sides of the eq. Add electrons to
whichever side is necessary, to make up the difference.
hin
(III) Balance the half eq. so that both sides get the same charge.

(IV) Add water molecules to complete the balancing of the equation.

ac

Step 4. Add two balanced equations. Multiply one or both eq. by suitable
no. so that on adding the two equations, the electrons are balanced.
Co

Example: balance the following eq by ion electron method.

2-
Cr2O7 + C2H4O C2H4O2 + Cr3+ (IN ACIDIC
in

MEDIUM)
Ja

Solution: +6 -2 -1 0 +3
2-
step1. Cr2O7 + C2H4O C2H4O2 + Cr3+

Step 2: separation into two half: -1 0

Oxidation half C2H4O C2H4O2
+6 +3
2-
Reduction half Cr2O7 Cr3+

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 Class-11 (Redox Reaction)

-1 0
(a) Oxidation half C2H4O C2H4O2
I. this eq. is already balanced in terms of c-atom.

(II) the O.N. of C of left side is -1 while the O.N. on right side is zero. To
account for the difference in O.N. add two electrons on the right.
-
C2H4O C2H4O2 + 2e
(III)& (IV) since the reaction is taking place in acidic medium, so
add 2H+ on the right and a H2O molecules on the left.

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-
C2H4O + H2O C2H4O2 + 2e

en
+2H+

(B) reduction half

gC
2-
Cr2O7 Cr3+
(I) Balance Cr atoms on both sides:
hin
2-
Cr2O7 2Cr3+
(II) The O.N. of Cr atom on the left side is +6 and on the right side is +3
thus each Cr atom on the left side gain 3 electrons i.e. total no. of
ac

electrons gained is six.

2- -
Cr2O7 + 6e 2Cr3+
(III)& (IV) as the reaction take place in acidic medium so add 14H+ on the
Co

L.H.S. to equate the net charge on both sides and 7H2O on R.H.S.
2- -
Cr2O7 + 14H+ + 6e 2Cr3+ +7H2O
in

Step3. Adding the two half equations.

Ja

Now add up the two half reactions to get the final equation. But before
doing so, multiply the oxidation half by 3 to equate the no. of electrons.

- +
[ C2H4O + H2O C2H4O2 + 2e + 2H ]×3

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 Class-11 (Redox Reaction)
2- -
Cr2O7 +14H+ + 6e 2Cr3+ +7H2O
3C2H4O + Cr2O72- + 8H+ 3C2H4O2 + 2Cr3+ + 4H2O

Example2. Balance the following redox equation by half reaction method:

- - 2-
Cr(OH)3 + IO3 I + CrO4 (in basic medium)

Solution: step 1.
+3 +5 -1 +6

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- - 2-
Cr(OH)3 + IO3 I + CrO4

en
Step2 separate the equation into two half:
Oxidation half +3 +6

gC
Cr(OH)3 CrO42-
Reduction half:
- -
IO3 I
hin
Step3. Balance each half reaction separately as:
(a) +3 +6
ac

Cr(OH)3 CrO42-
(I) the eq. is already balanced in terms of Cr.
Co

(II) the O.N. of Cr on the left is +3 and o the right is +6. To account for the
difference add 3 electrons on the right.
-
Cr(OH)3 CrO42- +3e
in

(III)& (IV) since the reaction take place in basic medium

Ja

- -
Cr(OH)3 +OH CrO42- +3e
- -
Cr(OH)3 + OH +4OH CrO42- + 4H2O +
-
3e
Or
- 2- -
Cr(OH)3 + 5OH CrO4 + 4H2O + 3e

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 Class-11 (Redox Reaction)

(b)balancing of reduction half:

- -
IO3 I

(I) Balancing the eq. w.r.t. iodine which is already balanced.

(II) The O.N. of iodine on the left is +5 and on the right is -1. To
-
account for the difference add 6e s on the left.
- - -
IO3 + 6e I

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- - - -
 IO3 + 6e I + 3OH

en
- - - -
 IO3 + 3H2O + 6e I + 3OH
-
+3OH

gC
Or IO3
-
+ 3H2O + 6e

Step 4. Add the two half reactions. To equate the no. of electrons, multiply
-
I +
-
6OH
-
hin
the oxidation half reaction by 2
- 2- -
[ Cr(OH)3 + 5OH CrO4 + 4H2O + 3e ]×2
ac

- - - -
IO3 + 3H2O + 6e I + 6OH
- -
Co

2Cr(OH)3 + IO3 + 4OH 2CrO42- + 5H2O +

-
I
in

ASSISGNMENT 4TH
Ja

Question: balance the following equations using ion-electron

method:
-
(I) MnO4 + H2C2O4 Mn2+ + CO2 (in acidic
medium)
- -
(II) MnO4 + I MnO2 + I2 (in basic

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 Class-11 (Redox Reaction)

medium)
-
(III) MnO4 + SO2 → Mn 2+ + HSO4-
-
(IV) H2S + Cl2 → S + Cl
- -
(V) Al + NO3 → Al(OH)4 + NH3
Question: balance the following equations using ion-electron
method:

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1 Mg + HNO3 → Mg (NO3) 2 + N2O + H2O
2 Cu + HNO3 → Cu 2+ + NO2

en
-
3 Br2 + H2O2 → BrO3 + H2O

gC
Question: The permanganate ion reacts with ferrous ion in acid medium to
give Fe3+ (ferric ion) and Mn 2+ ions. Write the balance chemical equation for
the reaction.
hin
Question: The permanganate ion reacts with oxalic acid in acid medium to
give CO2 and Mn 2+ ions. Write the balance chemical equation for the
reaction.
ac

Question: Write the application of Redox reaction.

Co

Answer: 1. Photosynthesis process: a redox reaction is carried out in

photosynthesis process, which is used to convert CO2 and H2O into
glucose.
in

2. In Metallurgy. Many metal oxides are reduced into metals by using

suitable reducing agents.
Ja

3. Production of Chemicals: many chemical compounds of our common

need are chemically prepared by redox reaction. E.g. NaOH, Cl2 etc.
4. Oxidation of Fuels. Oxidation of fuels is carried out by redox reaction
which is an important source of energy.
5. Electrochemical of cell or batteries: They are used in different field in
our daily life.

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REDOX EACTIONS: REDOX REACTIONS AS THE BAISIS FOR

TITRATIONS:
The titration of an acid with a base or of base with an acid is
very common method for the measurement of quantities of the
substance in solution.
The titration is carried out by adding a solution of the reagent of

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known concentration taken in a burette to unknown solution taken in a
flask known as titration flask.
 The solution which is taken in a burette is called as titrant.

en
 The solution which is taken in a titration flask is called as analyte.

gC
 The stoichometric point corresponds to the neutralization of acid
and base is called as equivalence point or end point.
REDOX REACTIONS AND ELECTRODE PROCESSES:
hin
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL--
→ The device which
ac

is used to convert the chemical

energy into electrical energy of a
Co

redox reaction is called as

electrochemical cell or Daniel cell
or Galvanic cell.
in

Construction of an
electrochemical cell:
Ja

As shown in figure let us take two

beakers and fill them separately
with two solutions of ZnSO4 and
CuSO4. Place a zinc rod in ZnSO4
solution and copper rod in CuSO4
solution. The rods are connected by a wire through an ammeter as shown in
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 Class-11 (Redox Reaction)

figure.

Both the solutions are connected through a salt bridge made by a

solution of K2SO4.

The following reaction takes place in the beakers:

- 2+ 2+
In left beaker: each zinc atom loses two e s to form Zn ions. The Zn ions
-
move away from the rod and come into the solution, while the e s moves

tre
through the wires.
-
Therefore Zn(s) Zn2+(aq) + 2e (oxidation)

en
-
In right Beaker: the e s released by Zn-atom reach at Cu-rod and come into

gC
-
the solution, these e s then combine with Cu2+ to form neutral Cu-metal
-
Cu2+ + 2e Cu(s) (reduction)
hin
NOTE: Oxidation occur at anode (-ve terminal)
 Reduction occur at cathode (+ve terminal)
 Electrons flow from anode to cathode
ac

 Current flow from cathode to anode.

Main features of electrochemical cell:
Co

(I) Zn-rod at which oxidation occur is called as anode.

(II) Cu-rod at which reduction occur is called as cathode.

in

2+ 2+
(III) The overall reaction is Zn(s) + Cu (aq) Zn (aq) +
Ja

Cu(s)

(IV) Cu-rod pull electrons so it act as positive terminal whereas Zn-rod

releases electrons so it act as negative pole.

(V) The electrons flow from –ve pole to +ve pole and so current flow
from +ve pole to –ve pole.

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 Class-11 (Redox Reaction)

(VI) As the cell works, weight of Cu-rod increases while that of Zn-rod
decreases.

Question: What is salt bridge? What are its functions?

Answer: Salt Bridge is a U shaped glass tube filled with a strong electrolyte
like KCl, KNO3, K2SO4 etc. in agar-agar or gelatin solution.

tre
Main feature or function of salt bridge:-

(I) It completes the internal circuit by allowing the ions to move from

en
one solution to another solution without mixing the two solutions.

(II) It helps in maintaining the electrical neutrality of two solutions.

gC
Representation of an electrochemical cell:
 Anode (oxidation half) is represented by M1/M1
n+1
hin
n+
 Cathode (reduction half) is represented by M2 /M2

 Salt bridge is represented by two vertical lines (//) between the two
ac

solutions.
 Oxidation half is written at left 7 reduction half is written atb right side
Co

of salt bridge.
n+1 n+
 So complete cell is M1/M1 // M2 / M2
in

Oxidation-salt bridge-reduction
Ja

Or anode-salt bridge-cathode.

oxidation
2+ 2+
Zn(s) + Cu (aq) Zn (aq) + Cu(s)

Reduction

Representations of electrochemical cell:

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 Class-11 (Redox Reaction)
2+ 2+
Zn/zn //Cu /Cu

ELECTRODE POTENTIAL:

The tendency of an electrode to loss or gain the

electron, when it is dipped into the solution of its own ions is called

tre
electrode potential and is represented by E.

It is of two types:

en
I. Oxidation potential.

II.

gC
Reduction potential.

Oxidation potential: The tendency of an electrode to loss the electrons is

called as oxidation potential.
hin
Reduction potential: The tendency of an electrode to gain the electrons
is called as reduction potential.
ac

 Oxidation and reduction potential are just reverse of each

other. E.g. if oxidation potential of Zn-rod is 0.76 volt then
Co

we can say that its reduction potential is -0.76 volt

 The electrode potential depends upon the nature,

in

temperature and concentration of ions in solution.

STANDARD ELECTRODE POTENTIAL:

Ja

The electrode potential measured at standard condition i.e. at

298k temperature and 1molar concentration of ions at 1 atm. Pressure is
called ads standard electrode potential.

NORMAL HYDROGEN ELECTRODE (N.H.E.) →

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 Class-11 (Redox Reaction)

OR STANDARD HYDROGEN ELECTRODE

(S.H.E.) →

OR REFRENCE ELECTRODE (R.E.) →

It consist of platinum wire sealed in glass tube
and has a pt foil, Attached to it which is dipped
in 1MHCl solution. H2 gas is continuously
passed into this solution at 1 atm. Pressure.
The construction of S.H.E. is as shown in figure.

tre
Working → It behave like a reversible
electrode. It can behave
as an electrode as well as a cathode.

en
 When it behaves as an anode then oxidation occurs.
+ -

gC
H2(g) 2H + 2e

 When it behaves as a cathode then reduction occurs.

hin
+ -
2H + 2e H2(g)

 The electrode potential of S.H.E. is taken as zero.

ac

+
Symbol of N.H.E. → Pt, H2 (g)/2H
Co

N.H.E. is used for the determination of electrode potential of

other electrodes.
in

MEASURMENT OF STANDARD ELECTRODE POTENTIAL:

Ja

Absolute value of electrode potential of any electrode

can’t be determined. Because single electrode constitute half cell and the
circuit is incomplete. So no losing or gaining of electrons occurs. However
we can determine the relative value of electrode potential by combining the
given electrode with the reference electrode whose electrode potential is
known.

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 Class-11 (Redox Reaction)

tre
E.M.F. OR CELL POTENTIAL OF A CELLL:

The difference between the electrode potential of the

en
two electrodes constituting an electrochemical cell is known as electro
motive force (e.m.f.) or cell potential of a cell.

gC
e.m.f. = reduction potential of cathode – reduction potential of anode.

i.e. E cell= E (cathode) – E (anode)

hin
or E cell= E right – E left

e.g. = E° Cu2+,Cu - E° Zn2+,Zn

ac

= 0.34 – (-0.76) = +1.10 volt

Co

Question: write the difference between E.M.F. and potential

difference.
in

Answer:
Ja

E.M.F. POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE

(I) It is the potential difference (I) It is the potential difference
between between
the two electrodes when no the two electrodes when current
current flowing in to the circuit is flowing in to the circuit
(II) It is the maximum voltage (II) It is less than the maximum
obtained from the cell. voltage.
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 Class-11 (Redox Reaction)

(i.e. potential difference <E.M.F.)

(III) The work calculated from (VI) It is not the maximum
e.m.f. is the maximum work. work.
(VII) It is responsible for the (IV) It is not responsible for the
flow of steady current. flow of steady current.

ELECTROCHEMICAL SERIES OR ACTIVITY SERIES:

tre
Firstly the standard reduction potential of all the electrodes are
determined using N.H.E. then these electrodes are arranged in the order of
increasing standard reduction potential.

en
The arrangement of electrodes in the order of increasing standard
reduction potential is called an electrochemical series or Activity series.

gC
APPLICATION OF ELECTROCHEMICAL SERIES:
hin
(I) To determine the relative ease of oxidation and reduction potential
of element: The element which has minimum reduction potential
ac

have more tendency to loss the electrons and act as strong

reducing agent.
Co

i.e. the oxidizing power of an element increases with the increase in

the value of standard reduction potential. Reducing power of an
element increases with the decrease in standard reduction
in

potential.
Ja

(II) To calculate the standard E.M.F. of a cell:

It can be calculated as follow:

E° cell = E° (cathode) – E° (anode)

or E° cell= E° right – E° left

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 Class-11 (Redox Reaction)

(III) To predict the feasibility or spontaneity of a redox reaction:

Firstly the E.M.F. of a cell based on the given redox reaction is

calculated and noted its sign. If it comes out to be positive then
redox reaction is feasible and it comes out to be negative then
redox reaction is not feasible.

(IV) To predict the reactivity of a metal with acid to liberate H2 gas:

+

tre
Metal react with acid (or H ) to form H2 gas as:-
+ +
M + H M + 1/2H2

en
gC
th
Assisgnment 5
Ques:- Can we store the aqueous solution of AgNO3 in a
hin
vessel of copper.

Ques:- Arrange in increasing order of reactivity towards

ac

water

Fe, Al, Mg, K, Zn.

Co

Ques:- The following spontaneous reaction occurs when

metallic copper is dipped into a solution of silver nitrate.
in

Cu + 2Ag + → Cu 2+
Ja

+ 2Ag

Describe galvanic that could take advantage of this

reaction. What is the reaction in each half-cell? Give the
sketch of cell and the direction of ion flow and the
direction of electron flow.

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 Class-11 (Redox Reaction)

Question: Which of the following reaction will be feasible?

(I) ZnSO4 + Cu → CuSO4 + Zn

(II) CuSO4 + Zn → ZnSO4 + Cu

E◦Zn2+/Zn = -0.76V E◦Cu2+/Cu = +0.34V

Question: Construct a galvanic cell using following

tre
electrodes:

E◦Zn2+/Zn = -0.76V E◦Cu2+/Cu = +0.34V

en
Calculate its standard emf.

gC
hin
ac
Co
in
Ja

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