Answer to Question #286590 in General Chemistry for Dyes

Question

Which chemical species undergoes oxidation?

Cd(s)+Cu²+(aq)→Cd²⁺+Cu(s)

Answer 1

Solution:

Cd(s) + Cu²⁺(aq) → Cd²⁺(aq) + Cu(s)

Separate the half-reactions and balance the charge of each equation with electrons:

Cd(s) − 2e⁻ → Cd²⁺(aq) (lose electrons = oxidation half reaction)

Cu²⁺(aq) + 2e⁻ → Cu(s) (gain electrons = reduction half reaction)

The oxidation state of Cd changes from 0 to +2. Hence, Cd(s) is oxidized.

The oxidation state of Cu changes from +2 to 0. Hence, Cu²⁺ ion is reduced..

Answer: Cd(s) is oxidized.