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Ch.5 - Thermochemistry
Chapter 5, Problem 121a2

Consider the following unbalanced oxidation-reduction reactions in aqueous solution: Ag+1aq2 + Li1s2¡ Ag1s2 + Li+1aq2 Fe1s2 + Na+1aq2¡ Fe2 + 1aq2 + Na1s2 K1s2 + H2O1l2¡ KOH1aq2 + H21g2 (a) Balance second reaction.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Oxidation-Reduction Reactions

Oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions involve the transfer of electrons between species, resulting in changes in oxidation states. In these reactions, one species is oxidized (loses electrons) while another is reduced (gains electrons). Understanding the roles of oxidizing and reducing agents is crucial for balancing redox reactions.
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Balancing Redox Reactions

Balancing redox reactions requires ensuring that the number of atoms and the total charge are equal on both sides of the equation. This often involves identifying half-reactions for oxidation and reduction, balancing them separately, and then combining them to form a balanced overall equation. The use of coefficients is essential to achieve this balance.
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Aqueous Solutions and Ionic Compounds

In aqueous solutions, ionic compounds dissociate into their constituent ions. Understanding how these ions interact in solution is vital for predicting the products of reactions. For example, in the given reactions, recognizing the states of matter (solid, liquid, aqueous) helps in determining the solubility and reactivity of the compounds involved.
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