Question 4 of 31intermediate🔧 ApplyShort Answer3 marks

Justify that the reaction: 2Cu₂O(s) + Cu₂S(s) → 6Cu(s) + SO₂(g) is a redox reaction. Identify the species oxidised/reduced, which acts as an oxidant and which acts as a reductant.

Correct Answer

Let us assign oxidation numbers to each species in the given reaction:

+1−2+1−20+4−2+1 \quad -2 \quad \quad +1 \quad -2 \quad \quad 0 \quad \quad +4 \quad -2 2Cu2O(s)+Cu2S(s)→6Cu(s)+SO2(g)2\text{Cu}_2\text{O(s)} + \text{Cu}_2\text{S(s)} \rightarrow 6\text{Cu(s)} + \text{SO}_2(\text{g})

In this reaction, copper is reduced from the +1 state to zero oxidation state, while sulphur is oxidised from the -2 state to the +4 state. Since both oxidation and reduction are occurring simultaneously, the above reaction is a redox reaction.

Further, Cu2O\text{Cu}_2\text{O} helps sulphur in Cu2S\text{Cu}_2\text{S} to increase its oxidation number, therefore, Cu(I) is an oxidant. The sulphur of Cu2S\text{Cu}_2\text{S} helps copper both in Cu2S\text{Cu}_2\text{S} itself and Cu2O\text{Cu}_2\text{O} to decrease its oxidation number; therefore, sulphur of Cu2S\text{Cu}_2\text{S} is the reductant.

Exercise: Problem 7.4 | Q: Problem 7.4 | (Page Page 7)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The textbook solution assigns oxidation numbers to show that copper goes from +1 to 0 (reduction) and sulphur goes from -2 to +4 (oxidation). Cu2O acts as the oxidant while sulphur in Cu2S acts as the reductant.