Chemistry - Study of the First Element - Hydrogen (Preparation, Properties, Oxidation/Reduction)
Review the key concepts, formulae, and examples before starting your quiz.
🔑Concepts
Hydrogen () is the first element in the periodic table, possessing a unique position because it shows properties of both alkali metals (Group 1) and halogens (Group 17).
In the laboratory, Hydrogen is prepared by the action of dilute acids on reactive metals like zinc: . Granulated zinc is preferred because it contains impurities like copper which act as a catalyst.
Industrial preparation includes the Bosch Process, where water gas () is reacted with steam in the presence of and at .
Hydrogen is a powerful reducing agent. It removes oxygen from metallic oxides like or to yield the respective metals.
Oxidation is defined as the addition of oxygen, removal of hydrogen, or the loss of electrons (De-electronation).
Reduction is defined as the addition of hydrogen, removal of oxygen, or the gain of electrons (Electronation).
A Redox reaction is a simultaneous process where one reactant is oxidized and the other is reduced. For example, in the reaction between and , is the reducing agent and is the oxidizing agent.
📐Formulae
💡Examples
Problem 1:
Identify the oxidizing agent and the reducing agent in the following reaction:
Solution:
Oxidizing Agent: ; Reducing Agent: .
Explanation:
In this reaction, loses oxygen to become , so it undergoes reduction and acts as the oxidizing agent. gains oxygen to become , so it undergoes oxidation and acts as the reducing agent.
Problem 2:
Explain the electronic concept of oxidation using the reaction:
Solution:
Oxidation: ; Reduction: .
Explanation:
According to the electronic concept, oxidation is the loss of electrons. Here, the Magnesium atom loses two electrons to form a Magnesium ion (), thus it is oxidized. Chlorine gains those electrons, thus it is reduced.
Problem 3:
Why is concentrated sulphuric acid () not used in the laboratory preparation of Hydrogen from Zinc?
Solution:
Concentrated is a strong oxidizing agent.
Explanation:
If concentrated is used, it reacts with the produced Hydrogen or the metal to produce Sulphur dioxide () gas instead of Hydrogen gas: .