Question

(a) Write the reaction for the overall oxidation of propane (C3H8) with oxygen to produce CO2 and water.

Answer 1

Answer:

Oxidation is the loss of electrons, that is, addition of electronegetive elements, example is addition of oxygen. Also, removal of electropositive elements, example is removal of hydrogen.

Explanation: a) In the presence of excess oxygen, propane burns in air, which gives the following chemical equation:

C3H8 + 5O2⇒ 3CO2 + 4H2O +Heat

b) When insufficient oxygen or too much oxygen is present for complete combustion, the following equation is given:

2C3H8 + 9O2 ⇒ 4CO2 + 2CO + 8H2O + Heat

c) At the anode( negative terminal): O∧2- ⇒ O + e

Oxygen accepts electron.

d) At cathode ( positive terminal): H∧+ + e∧- ⇒ H

Hydrogen donates electron

d) Nernst equation for reversal potential is given as follows:

E= RT/zF  In{ion outside cell}/{ion inside cell}= 2.303 RT/zF In{ion outside cell}/{ion inside cell}