In redox reactions, what happens to the oxidation state of a transition metal when it acts as an oxidizing agent?
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
In redox reactions, what happens to the oxidation state of a transition metal when it acts as an oxidizing agent?
It decreases
It increases
It remains the same
It becomes zero
When a transition metal acts as an oxidizing agent, its oxidation state increases as it gains electrons.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
1 item
Q
Q: In redox reactions, what happens to the oxidation state of a transition metal when it acts as an oxidizing agent?
Solution: When a transition metal acts as an oxidizing agent, its oxidation state increases as it gains electrons.
Steps: 4
Step 1: Understand what an oxidizing agent is. An oxidizing agent is a substance that gains electrons in a chemical reaction.
Step 2: Identify the role of the transition metal. When a transition metal acts as an oxidizing agent, it means it is helping another substance to be oxidized (lose electrons).
Step 3: Recognize that gaining electrons affects oxidation state. When the transition metal gains electrons, its oxidation state increases.
Step 4: Conclude that the oxidation state of the transition metal goes up when it acts as an oxidizing agent.