Question

Which type of reaction occurs in the following equation?

2NO2(g) + 2OH"(aq) —— NO2(aq) + NO, (aq) +H2O(1)
a combination redox reaction
a displacement redox reaction
a synthetic redox reaction
a disproportionation redox reaction

Answer 1

D

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

A disproportionation redox reaction

Step-by-step explanation:

1. Assign an oxidation number to every atom in the equation

`2\stackrel{\hbox{$\mathbf{+4}$}}{\hbox{N}}\stackrel{\hbox{-2}}{\hbox{O }}_(2) + 2\stackrel{\hbox{-2}}{\hbox{O}}\stackrel{\hbox{+1}}{\hbox{H}^(-)} \longrightarrow \, (\stackrel{\hbox{$\mathbf{+3}$}}{\hbox{N}}\stackrel{\hbox{-2}}{\hbox{O }}_(2))^(-) + (\stackrel{\hbox{$\mathbf{+5}$}}{\hbox{N}}\stackrel{\hbox{-2}}{\hbox{O}_(3)})^(-) +\stackrel{\hbox{+1}}{\hbox{H}}_(2)\stackrel{\hbox{-2}}{\hbox{O}}`

2. Identify the atoms that change their oxidation number

N in NO₂: +4 ⟶ +3 in NO₂⁻

N in NO₂: +4 ⟶ +5 in NO₃⁻

3. Identify the type of change

This is a disproportionation — a reaction in which one substance is simultaneously oxidized and reduced.