Question
Question: When a manganous salt is fused with a mixture of \(KN{O_3}\) and solid \(NaOH\) , the oxidation numb...
When a manganous salt is fused with a mixture of KNO3 and solid NaOH , the oxidation number of Mn changes from +2 to?
A.) +4
B.) +3
C.) +6
D.) +7
Solution
Hint: In order to deal with this question first we will define the term oxidation number further we will write the proper reaction of given compounds and according to it we will evaluate the charges when reaction is completed.
Complete step-by-step answer:
Oxidation number: The number of an atom's oxidation is defined as the charge an atom tends to have on the forming of ionic bonds with other heteroatoms. An atom with higher electronegativity is given a negative oxidation state (even though it forms a covalent bond).
The reaction can be given as follows when a manganese salt is fused with a mixture of KNO3 and solid NaOH :
Mn+2+NO3−→MnO4−2+H2O
Clearly we can see that the charge of MnO4 is -2
Charge of O4=(−2)×4=−8
Let charge on Mn=x
Hence charge of MnO4 in terms of individual charge is (x)+(−8)=−2
⇒x=−2+8 ⇒x=+6
So, charge of Mn=6
Hence, when a manganous salt is fused with a mixture of KNO3 and solid NaOH , the oxidation number if Mn changes from +2 to 6
So, the correct answer is option C.
Note- Oxidation status or number usually lets us understand electron transfer. Students will note, however, that this is distinct from a formal charge that specifies the structure of atoms. The number / state of oxidation are also used to determine changes which occur in redox reactions. Meanwhile, valence electrons are very similar. Redox reaction is a type of reaction to oxidation and a reduction. In a redox reaction these two reactions occur concurrently.