Answer to Question #142466 in General Chemistry for yara

Question

is this element is reduced or is oxidized. Justify your answers


Cu2+ +Al→Cu +Al3+

Answer 1

Copper has undergone reduction while Aluminium has undergone oxidation.

In the above reaction, Copper (II) ions have gained 2 electrons each to become copper atoms. Its oxidation state has reduced from +2 to 0, hence this is reduction.

Aluminium atoms on the other hand have donated/lost 3 electrons each to become Aluminium ions. Its oxidation state has increased from 0 to +3, hence it has undergone oxidation