Question

What occurs when cr3 ions are reduced to cr2 ions? electrons are lost and the oxidation number pf chronium increases?

Answer 1

Answer : The electrons are gained and the oxidation number of chromium decreases.

Explanation :

As we know that a redox reaction is a reaction in which the oxidation and reduction takes place simultaneously.

Oxidation reaction : The reaction where a substance looses its electrons. In this, oxidation state of an element increases. Or we can say that in oxidation, the loss of electrons takes place.

Reduction reaction : The reaction in which a substance gains electrons. In this, oxidation state of an element decreases. Or we can say that in reduction, the gain of electrons takes place.

The balanced half reaction will be :

$Cr^{3+}+e^-\rightarrow Cr^{2+}$

In this reaction, the oxidation number of 'Cr' changes from (+3) to (+2) that means 'Cr' gains 1 electron and it shows reduction or the oxidation number decreases.

Hence, the electrons are gained and the oxidation number of chromium decreases.