When the oxidation-reduction reaction shown here is balanced, how many electrons are transferred for each atom of copper that reacts?
Ag⁺(aq) + Cu(s) $\rightarrow$ Ag(s) + Cu²⁺(aq)

Question

When the oxidation-reduction reaction shown here is balanced, how many electrons are transferred for each atom of copper that reacts? Ag⁺(aq) + Cu(s) $\rightarrow$Ag(s) + Cu²⁺(aq)

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In order to balance the reaction, we first need to assign oxidation numbers to all the elements:

Ag: +1
S: -2
P: +1
Cu: 0
F: -1

After balancing the equation, we have:

Ag2S + Cu + H2SO4 → Ag2SO4 + CuSO4 + H2S

In this reaction, copper goes from an oxidation state of 0 to +2, meaning it has lost 2 electrons. Each atom of copper that reacts transfers 2 electrons. Therefore, the answer is B) 2.

When the Oxidation-Reduction Reaction Shown Here Is Balanced, How Many →\rightarrow→

When the Oxidation-Reduction Reaction Shown Here Is Balanced, How Many $\rightarrow$