An unknown Element X is discovered. Element X is found to have varying numbers
1 answer:
You might be interested in
Answer:
a)
⇒
⇒
b)
⇒
⇒
Explanation:
A)
Remember that positive number superscripts mean electrons lack and negative numbers mean electrons 'excess' (if we compare it with the neutral element). So, for the case of Fe2+ which is converted to Fe3+, we know that in Fe2+ there is a two electrons lack, while in Fe3+ there is a 3 electrons lack; it means that Fe2+ was converted to Fe3+ but releasing one electron:
⇒
The same analysis is applied to Br2; Br2 is a molecule which is said to have a zero superscript because it is an apolar covalent bond; and it is converted to Br-, which, according to what I wrote above, means that there is a one electron excess. So, Br2 must have received an electron in order to change to Br-; but Br2 can't change to Br- as simple as that because Br2 is a molecule, not an atom; it is a molecule that has two Br atoms, so, Br2 must give two Br- ions as products, but receiving one electron for each one:
⇒
b)
Applying the same, in Mg2+ there is a 2 electrons lack, and in Mg is not electron lack (its superscript is zero), so Mg must have released two electrons in order to change to Mg2+:
⇒
Cr3+ has a 3 electrons lack, and Cr2+ a two electrons one, so, Cr3+ must receive an electron to convert to Cr2+:
⇒