<span>The problem has to do with oxidation states of the matter. The oxidation state of oxygen will always be -2 with the exception of peroxides which will have a state of -1. The overall balanced state of chemical compounds will be 0, so the oxidation state of Mn in MnO2 will be +4. The oxidation state of MnO4- will then be +7 to balance out to the negative one charge. The state change from +4 to +7 is 3, thus three electrons have to be lost in order for this to happen; a loss of a charge of -3 results in an increase of charge of 3. Oxidation is always the process of 'losing' electrons.
</span><span>E] MnO2(s) MnO4-(aq</span>
The system is isothermal, so we use the formula:
(delta)G = (delta)H - T (delta) S
Plugging in the given values:
(delta)G = -220 kJ/ mol - (1000K) (-0.05 kJ/mol K)
(delta)G = -170 kJ/mol
If we take a basis of 1 mol, the answer is
D. -170 kJ
D. the potential energy of the reactants is low; the potential energy decreases gradually; then increases slightly.
