Which element is oxidized, and which is reduced in the following reactions? (c) Cl21aq2 + 2 NaI1aq2¡I21aq2 + 2 NaCl1aq2

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the oxidation states of each element in the reactants and products. For Cl2, chlorine is in the 0 oxidation state. In NaI, iodine is in the -1 oxidation state. In I2, iodine is in the 0 oxidation state. In NaCl, chlorine is in the -1 oxidation state.
2. Compare the oxidation states of each element before and after the reaction to determine the changes in oxidation state. Chlorine goes from 0 in Cl2 to -1 in NaCl, indicating a gain of electrons. Iodine goes from -1 in NaI to 0 in I2, indicating a loss of electrons.
3. Recall that oxidation is the loss of electrons and reduction is the gain of electrons. Since iodine loses electrons, it is oxidized. Since chlorine gains electrons, it is reduced.
4. Write the half-reactions to clearly show the electron transfer. The oxidation half-reaction for iodine can be written as: 2 I- -> I2 + 2 e-. The reduction half-reaction for chlorine can be written as: Cl2 + 2 e- -> 2 Cl-.
5. Conclude that in the reaction Cl2 + 2 NaI -> I2 + 2 NaCl, iodine (I) is oxidized and chlorine (Cl) is reduced.

Key Concepts

Oxidation and Reduction

Oxidation and reduction are chemical processes that involve the transfer of electrons between substances. Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons, resulting in an increase in oxidation state, while reduction involves the gain of electrons, leading to a decrease in oxidation state. These processes always occur simultaneously in a redox reaction.

Oxidation States

Oxidation states (or oxidation numbers) are assigned to atoms in a compound to indicate their degree of oxidation or reduction. The oxidation state helps in identifying which element is oxidized and which is reduced during a reaction. For example, in the reaction provided, the oxidation states of chlorine and iodine change, allowing us to determine the electron transfer.

Half-Reactions

Half-reactions are used to separate the oxidation and reduction processes in a redox reaction. Each half-reaction shows either the loss of electrons (oxidation) or the gain of electrons (reduction) for a specific species. By analyzing the half-reactions, one can clearly identify which elements are oxidized and reduced in the overall reaction.