Question

The mixture of the potassium chlorate, oxalic acid and sulphuric acid is heated. During the reaction which element undergoes a maximum change in the oxidation number?

A) S
B) H
C) Cl
D) C

Answer 1

Chlorine undergoes the maximum change in oxidation number during the reaction.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the reaction involving the mixture of potassium chlorate, oxalic acid, and sulfuric acid, the element that undergoes the maximum change in oxidation number is chlorine (Cl).

Chlorine is a very electronegative element and is a good oxidizing agent. It tends to gain electrons and get reduced, resulting in a decrease in oxidation number. In this reaction, chlorine in the potassium chlorate (KClO3) is reduced from an oxidation number of +5 to -1 in the final product, potassium chloride (KCl).

The answer is: C) Cl