Question

Which of the following is an essential condition for a redox reaction?

The reactants should be two elements.

The reactants should be two compounds.

The oxidation state of all the atoms should change.

The oxidation state of at least two atoms should change.

Answer 1

The oxidation of at least two atoms should change

Answer 2

Answer: The correct answer is the oxidation state of at least two atoms should change.

Step-by-step explanation:

Redox reaction is defined as the reaction in which oxidation and reduction reaction takes place simultaneously.

Oxidation reaction is defined as the chemical reaction in which an atom looses its electrons. The oxidation number of the atom gets increased during this reaction.

`X\rightarrow X^(n+)+ne^-`

Reduction reaction is defined as the chemical reaction in which an atom gains electrons. The oxidation number of the atom gets reduced during this reaction.

`X^(n+)+ne^-\rightarrow X`

In a redox reaction, oxidation state of at least two atoms should change because here exchange of electrons takes place.

For Example: The reaction of copper with silver nitrate, the equation follows:

`Cu(s)+2AgNO_3(aq.)\rightarrow 2Ag(s)+Cu(NO_3)_2(aq.)`

The half reactions for the above reaction are:

Oxidation half reaction:
`Cu(s)\rightarrow Cu^(2+)(aq.)+2e^-`

Reduction half reaction:
`2Ag^+(aq.)+2e^-\rightarrow 2Ag(s)`

Oxidation state of copper and silver is getting changed to its respective ions.

Hence, the correct answer is the oxidation state of at least two atoms should change.