JAMB - Chemistry (2002 - No. 12)

Cu\(_2\)S(s) + O\(_2\)(g) → 2CU(s) + SO\(_2\)(g)
What is the change in the oxidation number of copper in the reaction above?
+1 to 0
0 to +2
+2 to +1
0 to +1

Explanation

Sulphur atom in Cu\(_2\)S is - 2. Thus, Cu\(_2\)S = 0

  2Cu + S = 0

  2Cu + (-2) = 0

  2Cu  =  2

 \(\frac{2Cu}{2}\) = \(\frac{2}{2}\)

  Cu = +1

On the RHS, Cu atom has an oxidation state of 0. Therefore, there is a change in oxidation number of Copper from +1 to 0

Comments (0)

Advertisement