Chemistry : Chemical Reactions And Equations

Q 3 / 3

UPSC CSE Prelims 2002

Match List-I (Oxidation number) with List II (The element) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:

List-I (Oxidation number) List-II (The elements)
A. 2 1. Oxidation number of Mn in MaO2
B. 3 2. Oxidation number of S in H2S5O7
C. 4 3 Oxidation number of Ca in CaO
D. 6 4. Oxidation number of Al in NaA1H4

Codes:
ABCD

EXPLANATION

Correct Option

The correct matching is A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2.

  • A. Oxidation number of Ca in CaO: Calcium (Ca) is an alkaline earth metal, which typically exhibits an oxidation number of +2 in its compounds. In CaO, assuming oxygen has an oxidation number of -2, the oxidation number of Ca is calculated as Ca + (-2) = 0, thus Ca = +2. Therefore, 2 matches with 3.
  • B. Oxidation number of Al in NaAlH₄: In sodium aluminium hydride, sodium (Na) has an oxidation number of +1, and hydrogen (H) as a hydride has an oxidation number of -1. For the compound to be neutral, the sum of oxidation numbers must be zero: (+1) + Al + 4(-1) = 0. This calculation yields Al - 3 = 0, so Al = +3. Therefore, 3 matches with 4.
  • C. Oxidation number of Mn in MnO₂: In manganese dioxide, oxygen (O) typically has an oxidation number of -2. For the compound to be neutral, the sum of oxidation numbers must be zero: Mn + 2(-2) = 0. This calculation yields Mn - 4 = 0, so Mn = +4. Therefore, 4 matches with 1.
  • D. Oxidation number of S in H₂S₂O₇: In pyrosulfuric acid (H₂S₂O₇), hydrogen (H) has an oxidation number of +1, and oxygen (O) has an oxidation number of -2. For the compound to be neutral, the sum of oxidation numbers must be zero: 2(+1) + 2S + 7(-2) = 0. This calculation yields 2 + 2S - 14 = 0, so 2S = 12, and S = +6. Therefore, 6 matches with 2.

Incorrect Options

Options 2, 3, and 4 are incorrect as they do not provide the accurate assignment of oxidation numbers to the respective elements in the given compounds, based on standard rules for calculating oxidation states.

SOURCENCERT Class 11 Chemistry Part I Chapter 8: Redox Reactions