Redox Reaction Chemistry Example 3

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Example 3

medium
Determine whether the following reaction is a redox reaction: HCl(aq)+NaOH(aq)→NaCl(aq)+H2O(l)\text{HCl(aq)} + \text{NaOH(aq)} \rightarrow \text{NaCl(aq)} + \text{H}_2\text{O(l)}. Justify your answer.

Solution

  1. 1
    Check oxidation numbers: H is +1+1 on both sides, Cl is −1-1 on both sides, Na is +1+1 on both sides, O is −2-2 on both sides.
  2. 2
    No element changes its oxidation number, so no electron transfer occurs. This is NOT a redox reaction — it is an acid-base neutralization.

Answer

Not a redox reaction — no change in oxidation numbers.\text{Not a redox reaction — no change in oxidation numbers.}
Not all chemical reactions are redox reactions. Neutralization, precipitation, and some decomposition reactions involve no electron transfer. The key test is whether any element changes its oxidation state.

About Redox Reaction

A chemical reaction in which electrons are transferred from one substance (the reducing agent, which is oxidized) to another (the oxidizing agent, which is reduced).

Learn more about Redox Reaction →

More Redox Reaction Examples

Example 1 easy

Define a redox reaction and explain the relationship between oxidation and reduction.

Example 2 medium

In the reaction [formula], identify the oxidizing agent and the reducing agent.

Example 4 hard

Balance the following redox reaction in acidic solution using the half-reaction method: [formula].

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