Question

which atom has a change in oxidation number of -3 in the following redox reaction K2Cr2O7 + H2O +S --> KOH + Cr2O3 +SO2

Answer 1

You have to calculate the oxidation estates of the atoms in each compound.

I will start with K2Cr2O7 because I believe that Cr is the best candidate to reduce its oxidation number in 3 units.

In K2Cr2O7:

- K has oxidation state of 1+, then K2 has a charge of 2* (1+) = 2+.

- O has oxidation state of 2*, then O7 has a charge of 7* (2-) = 14-.

That makes that Cr2 has charge of 14 - 2 = +12, so each Cr has +12/2 = +6 oxidation state.

In Cr2O3:

- O has oxidation state of 2-, then O3 has charge 3 * (2-) = - 6

- Then, Cr2 has charge 6+, and each Cr has charge 6+ / 2 = 3+.

So, we have seen that Cr reduced its oxidation state in 3 units, from 6+ to 3+.

Answer: Cr has a change in oxidation number of - 3.