Question

The following chemical reaction occurs in a basic solution.

NO3−(aq) + ClO−(aq) + H2O(l) → NO(g) + ClO2−(aq) + OH−(aq)

How many moles of electrons are transferred when the equation is balanced using the smallest whole-number coefficients?

a. 2 moles of electrons
b. 1 mole of electrons
c. 5 moles of electrons
d. 6 moles of electrons
e. 3 moles of electrons

Answer 1

6 moles of electrons

Step-by-step explanation:

Let us consider the species NO3− and ClO−. The NO3− is oxidized to NO the oxidation number of nitrogen is decreased from +5 to +2.

The oxidation number of chlorine is increased from +1 to +3. This implies that six electrons were transferred in the balanced reaction equation shown in the question. Hence the answer.