Q.Match the items in Column I with relevant items in Column II.
Column I
Column II
🔒You're viewing a preview — the full solution, concept, methods & PYQ mapping are locked.
🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Concept understanding — Oxidation Reduction
Let’s start with something you already know from everyday life.
The intuition: what does “oxidation” really mean?
Think of a piece of iron left out in the rain. Over time, it turns into reddish-brown rust. Or think of a slice of apple turning brown when you leave it on the table. Or a fire burning wood to ash. In all these cases, something is combining with oxygen — that’s the original meaning of “oxidation.” The iron combines with oxygen from the air to form iron oxide (rust). The apple’s chemicals react with oxygen in the air. The wood burns because carbon in the wood combines with oxygen.
So the first, simplest idea: oxidation = adding oxygen. And the reverse — taking oxygen away — was called reduction. For example, if you heat iron oxide with carbon, the carbon steals the oxygen away, leaving pure iron. That’s reduction: removing oxygen.
But chemists soon realised this was too narrow. Many reactions that look like oxidation-reduction don’t involve oxygen at all. For instance, when sodium metal reacts with chlorine gas to make table salt, no oxygen is involved — yet the sodium clearly “rusts” in a sense, and the chlorine “steals” something from it.
So the definition had to be broadened.
The precise modern definition: electron transfer
Here’s the clean, exam-ready statement:
Oxidation is the loss of electrons by a substance.
Reduction is the gain of electrons by a substance.
They always happen together — you cannot have one without the other. That’s why we call them redox reactions (short for reduction-oxidation).
Let’s see this with the sodium-chlorine example:
- Sodium atom (Na) loses one electron to become Na+. That’s oxidation.
- Chlorine atom (Cl) gains that electron to become Cl− . That’s reduction.
You can write the two halves separately:
Na→Na++e−(oxidation)
Cl+e−→Cl−(reduction)
Add them together:
Na+Cl→Na++Cl−
That’s table salt.
A handy mnemonic: OIL RIG — Oxidation Is Loss (of electrons), Reduction Is Gain (of electrons).
How to spot a redox reaction without seeing electrons
You can’t watch electrons move directly. So chemists use oxidation numbers (also called oxidation states) — a bookkeeping system that tracks electrons.
Rules (simplified for first-time learners):
- An atom in its elemental form has oxidation number 0.
- A monatomic ion has oxidation number equal to its charge (e.g., Na+ is +1, Cl− is -1).
- Oxygen is usually -2 (except in peroxides).
- Hydrogen is usually +1 (except in metal hydrides).
- The sum of oxidation numbers in a neutral compound is 0; in a polyatomic ion, it equals the ion’s charge.
Then:
- Oxidation = increase in oxidation number.
- Reduction = decrease in oxidation number.
Example: Rusting of iron.
4Fe+3O2→2Fe2O3
- Fe starts at 0 (elemental). In Fe2O3, each Fe is +3. So Fe’s oxidation number goes up from 0 to +3 → oxidation.
- O starts at 0 (in O2). In Fe2O3, each O is -2. So O’s oxidation number goes down from 0 to -2 → reduction.
A common mistake: thinking that “reduction” means something becomes smaller or less. It doesn’t — it’s about gaining electrons (or losing oxygen, in the old sense). The name comes from metallurgy: when you “reduce” iron ore to iron, you’re taking away oxygen, so the mass reduces.
One more way to think about it …
The key idea is oxidation numbers — the formal charge assigned to atoms in a species, following fixed rules.
Reasoning:
- Ions with a positive charge are cations → (i) matches (e).
- In a neutral molecule, the sum of oxidation numbers is zero → (ii) matches (d).
- The hydrogen ion H+ has an oxidation number of +1 → (iii) matches (c). …
This question tests the basic definitions and rules of oxidation numbers. The correct matches are: (i)→(e), (ii)→(d), (iii)→(c), (iv)→(b), (v)→(f).
The whole idea of oxidation numbers is a bookkeeping system chemists invented to track electron movement in compounds and ions. It's not a real physical charge — it's an assigned number that follows a strict set of rules. Once you know those rules, matching these items becomes straightforward.
Let's go through each item one by one.
-
(i) Ions having positive charge — These are called cations. A cation is any ion with a net positive charge, formed when an atom loses one or more electrons. So (i) matches with (e).
-
(ii) The sum of oxidation number of all atoms in a neutral molecule — This is a fundamental rule: for any neutral compound, the sum of the oxidation numbers of all its atoms must be zero. The molecule as a whole has no net charge, so the positive and negative oxidation states must balance exactly. Therefore (ii) matches with (d).
-
(iii) Oxidation number of hydrogen ion (H⁺) — The hydrogen ion is simply a proton — a hydrogen atom that has lost its one electron. Its oxidation number is therefore +1. This is also consistent with the general rule that hydrogen usually has an oxidation number of +1 (except in metal hydrides where it's -1). So (iii) matches with (c). …
Showing the 12 most recent of 19 on this concept.
- TG EAPCET 2026Set ap-2026-05-04-AN1 markMCQQ.In the unbalanced reactions given below, the oxidation numbers of oxygen in X, Z and Y are respectively Li + O2 → X K + O2(excess) → Y Na + O2(excess) → Z (A) −1,−2,−21 (B) −2,−1,−21 (C) −2,−21,−1 (D) −1,−21,−2
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key is to recall the specific products formed when alkali metals react with oxygen: Li gives Li₂O (O⁻²), Na gives Na₂O₂ (O⁻¹), and K gives KO₂ (O in −½). The correct order is −2, −1, −½, which corresponds to option (B).
The problem asks for the oxidation numbers of oxygen in the products X, Y, and Z formed from the reactions of Li, K, and Na with oxygen. This is not a generic “metal + oxygen → metal oxide” situation — each alkali metal behaves differently due to the size and stability of the resulting anion. The key concept is the nature of the oxide, peroxide, or superoxide formed, which directly determines oxygen’s oxidation state.
Why this approach works:
Instead of balancing equations, we recall the characteristic product for each metal:
- Lithium, being the smallest alkali metal, forms only the normal oxide (O²⁻).
- Sodium forms the peroxide (O₂²⁻, each O is −1).
- Potassium (and larger alkali metals) forms the superoxide (O₂⁻, each O is −½).
Thus, we can directly read off the oxidation numbers.
- Lithium + O₂ → X Lithium is small; the Li⁺ ion strongly stabilizes the small O²⁻ ion. The product is lithium oxide:
4Li+O2→2Li2O
In Li₂O, oxygen is in the oxide ion O²⁻, so its oxidation number is −2.
- Potassium + excess O₂ → Y Potassium is large; it stabilizes the larger superoxide ion O₂⁻. With excess oxygen, the product is potassium superoxide:
K+O2(excess)→KO2
In KO₂, the anion is O₂⁻. The overall charge on O₂⁻ is −1, so each oxygen atom has oxidation number −½.
- Sodium + excess O₂ → Z …
- TG EAPCET 2026Set ap-2026-05-04-AN1 markMCQQ.Given below are two statements Statement-I: Reducing property of dioxide increases from SO2 to TeO2. Statement-II: Pb3O4 on heating gives lead dioxide and oxygen The correct answer is (A) Both statements I and II are correct (B) Statement I is correct, but statement II is not correct (C) Statement I is not correct, but statement II is correct (D) Both statements I and II are not correct
›Reveal solutionSolution
Statement-I is false because reducing power actually decreases down Group 16 (SO₂ > TeO₂), and Statement-II is true because Pb₃O₄ decomposes to PbO and O₂, not PbO₂. So both are not correct.
Concept & Intuition
This question tests two separate ideas: (1) the trend in reducing property of dioxides of Group 16 elements (S, Se, Te, Po), and (2) the thermal decomposition behaviour of lead(II,IV) oxide (Pb₃O₄).
- For Statement-I: Reducing property means the ability to donate electrons (get oxidised). Down Group 16, the +4 oxidation state becomes more stable (the inert‑pair effect), so the dioxide becomes harder to oxidise — hence reducing power decreases.
- For Statement-II: Pb₃O₄ is a mixed oxide (2PbO·PbO₂). On heating, the PbO₂ part decomposes to PbO and O₂, so the overall product is PbO and O₂, not PbO₂.
Let’s check each carefully.
-
Statement-I: Reducing property of dioxide increases from SO₂ to TeO₂
- Reducing property means the tendency of the dioxide to get oxidised to a higher oxidation state (e.g., +4 → +6).
- Down Group 16, the stability of the +4 oxidation state increases due to the inert‑pair effect (the 6s² electrons in Te and Po are reluctant to participate).
- Therefore, TeO₂ is more stable and less willing to be oxidised than SO₂.
- In fact, SO₂ is a strong reducing agent (easily oxidised to SO₃ or H₂SO₄), while TeO₂ is quite stable and shows little reducing behaviour.
- Conclusion: Reducing property decreases down the group. So Statement-I is false.
-
Statement-II: Pb₃O₄ on heating gives lead dioxide and oxygen
- Pb₃O₄ (red lead) is actually 2PbO·PbO₂. …
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-02-FN1 markMCQQ.Match the following List – 1 (Chemical) List – 2 (Use) A. KOH I. Coolant B. Na(l) II. Antacid C. Li III. Electrochemical cells D. Mg(OH)2 IV. Absorbent for CO2 The correct answer is (A) A – II, B – III, C – IV, D – I (B) A – IV, B – I, C – III, D – II (C) A – IV, B – III, C – II, D – I (D) A – III, B – IV, C – I, D – II
›Reveal solutionSolution
This matching question tests your knowledge of the industrial and everyday uses of common chemicals. The correct pairing is: KOH as a CO₂ absorbent, liquid sodium as a coolant, lithium in electrochemical cells, and magnesium hydroxide as an antacid — which corresponds to option (B).
The key to solving this is not memorising random facts, but understanding why each substance is used for its specific purpose. The properties of the chemical — its reactivity, physical state, and chemical behaviour — directly determine its application.
Let’s go through each one.
-
KOH (Potassium hydroxide) — This is a strong base, similar to NaOH but more soluble and more reactive. It readily reacts with acidic gases like carbon dioxide to form potassium carbonate (K2CO3). This makes it an excellent absorbent for CO₂, especially in gas purification systems or in closed environments (like submarines or spacecraft). So A matches with IV.
-
Na(l) (Liquid sodium) — Sodium metal has a low melting point (about 98°C) and an exceptionally high thermal conductivity. As a liquid, it can flow through pipes and carry heat away very efficiently. It is also chemically stable at high temperatures in the absence of air/water. For these reasons, liquid sodium is used as a coolant in fast-breeder nuclear reactors. So B matches with I.
-
Li (Lithium) — Lithium is the lightest metal and has the highest electrochemical potential (standard reduction potential of -3.04 V). This means it can produce a high voltage per cell. Combined with its low density, lithium is ideal for electrochemical cells (batteries) — especially rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, where it provides high energy density. So C matches with III. …
-
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-03-FN1 markMCQQ.Which of the following reactions is an example of Clemmensen reduction? (A) O∣R−C−OC2H51. DIBAL-H2. H2OR−C−H+C2H5OHR−C−OC2H5 (B) O∣R−C−H(i) NH2-NH2(ii) KOH∣CH2CH2(OH)2R−CH3R−C−H (C) O∣R−C−CH3Zn-HgHClR−CH2−CH3R−C−CH3 (D) O∣R−C−Cl+H2PdBaSO4R−C−H+HClR−C−Cl
›Reveal solutionSolution
Clemmensen reduction uses Zn‑Hg / HCl to reduce a carbonyl group (C=O) directly to a methylene group (CH₂). The reaction in option (C) matches this exactly, giving the final product R–CH₂–CH₃ from a ketone.
Concept & Intuition
The Clemmensen reduction is a classic method for converting a carbonyl group (in an aldehyde or ketone) into a methylene (CH₂) group. The key reagents are zinc amalgam (Zn‑Hg) and concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl). The reaction works under strongly acidic conditions, where the carbonyl oxygen is protonated and then reduced by the zinc metal, ultimately replacing the C=O with two hydrogen atoms. This is the go‑to method when you want to remove a carbonyl group from a molecule without using basic conditions (which would be needed for the alternative Wolff‑Kishner reduction).
Now let’s examine each option.
-
Option (A) – This shows an ester (R–COOEt) being reduced to an aldehyde (R–CHO) using DIBAL‑H, followed by hydrolysis. That is a partial reduction of an ester to an aldehyde, not a Clemmensen reduction. The reagents are completely different.
-
Option (B) – This shows an aldehyde (R–CHO) being treated with hydrazine (NH₂–NH₂) and then KOH in ethylene glycol. That is the Wolff‑Kishner reduction, which also converts a carbonyl to a methylene group, but under basic conditions. The Clemmensen reduction uses acidic conditions (Zn‑Hg / HCl), not basic.
-
Option (C) – Here we have a ketone (R–CO–CH₃) treated with Zn‑Hg / HCl. The product is R–CH₂–CH₃, meaning the carbonyl oxygen has been replaced by two hydrogens. This is the textbook definition of a Clemmensen reduction. The reagents and transformation match perfectly. …
-
- TG EAPCET 2025Set ap-2025-04-29-AN1 markMCQQ.Identify the correct statements I. Lithium halides are somewhat covalent in nature II. NaNO3 on heating gives NO2 gas III. LiHCO3 is a solid IV. All alkali metals form ethynides on reaction with ethyne The correct option is (A) I, II, III only (B) II, IV only (C) I only (D) I, III only
›Reveal solutionSolution
Only statement I is correct. Lithium halides exhibit some covalent character due to the small size and high polarizing power of the Li+ ion. The final answer is (C).
Let's analyze each statement to determine its correctness.
Concept and Intuition
This question tests your understanding of the anomalous properties of lithium and general trends in alkali metal chemistry, including Fajan's rules, thermal decomposition of nitrates, stability of bicarbonates, and reactivity with ethyne. Lithium, being the first element in Group 1, often shows properties that differ significantly from the rest of the group due to its exceptionally small size and high charge density.
Step-by-step Analysis
-
Statement I: Lithium halides are somewhat covalent in nature.
- Reasoning: This statement relates to Fajan's rules, which describe the factors influencing the covalent character in ionic compounds. A small cation with a high positive charge density has a greater ability to polarize the electron cloud of an anion. Lithium (Li+) is the smallest cation among the alkali metals. Its high charge density allows it to significantly distort the electron cloud of halide anions (F−, Cl−, Br−, I−). This distortion leads to a sharing of electron density between the lithium ion and the halide ion, imparting a noticeable covalent character to lithium halides, even though they are predominantly ionic. This effect is more pronounced with larger anions (e.g., LiI is more covalent than LiF).
- Verdict: This statement is correct.
-
Statement II: NaNO3 on heating gives NO2 gas.
- Reasoning: The thermal decomposition of alkali metal nitrates follows different pathways depending on the metal.
- Lithium nitrate (LiNO3) decomposes to lithium oxide, nitrogen dioxide gas, and oxygen gas, similar to the nitrates of Group 2 elements:
- Reasoning: The thermal decomposition of alkali metal nitrates follows different pathways depending on the metal.
4LiNO3(s)Δ2Li2O(s)+4NO2(g)+O2(g)
* However, other alkali metal nitrates (NaNO$_3$, KNO$_3$, RbNO$_3$, CsNO$_3$) decompose to form the corresponding nitrite and oxygen gas, but *not* nitrogen dioxide gas:2NaNO3(s)Δ2NaNO2(s)+O2(g)
* Since NaNO$_3$ produces NaNO$_2$ and O$_2$, and not NO$_2$ gas, this statement is incorrect. * **Verdict:** This statement is **incorrect**.3. Statement III: LiHCO3 is a solid.
* Reasoning: Lithium bicarbonate (LiHCO3) is known to exist only in aqueous solution. It is unstable and cannot be isolated as a stable solid. When attempts are made to crystallize it, it decomposes into lithium carbonate (Li2CO3), water, and carbon dioxide:
LiHCO3(aq)evaporationLi2CO3(s)+H2O(l)+CO2(g) …
-
- TG EAPCET 2025Set ap-2025-04-29-FN1 markMCQQ.Match the following List – 1 (Compound) A O3 B SO2 C H2SO4 D PH3 List – 2 (Use) I anti-chlor II Storage batteries III germicide IV smoke screens (A) A – III, B – II, C – I, D – IV (B) A – IV, B – II, C – I, D – III (C) A – III, B – I, C – II, D – IV (D) A – IV, B – I, C – II, D – III
›Reveal solutionSolution
This question requires matching common chemical compounds with their primary applications based on their characteristic properties. We will identify the key use for Ozone, Sulfur Dioxide, Sulfuric Acid, and Phosphine, leading to the correct option (C).
The utility of a chemical compound is directly linked to its unique physical and chemical properties. Understanding these properties allows us to predict and explain why certain substances are used for specific purposes in industry, medicine, or everyday life. For instance, strong oxidizing agents are often used as disinfectants, while strong acids have roles in batteries or industrial processes.
Let's match each compound from List-1 with its appropriate use from List-2:
-
Compound A: O3 (Ozone)
Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent. This property makes it highly effective in killing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
- Use: Due to its strong oxidizing and germicidal properties, ozone is widely used as a disinfectant and sterilizing agent, for example, in water purification and air treatment.
- Match: Therefore, O3 matches with III germicide.
-
Compound B: SO2 (Sulfur Dioxide)
Sulfur dioxide acts as a reducing agent and also has bleaching properties (though often temporary). One of its important applications is in removing excess chlorine.
- Use: After fabrics are bleached with chlorine, residual chlorine can damage the fabric or interfere with subsequent dyeing processes. Sulfur dioxide is used to neutralize this excess chlorine, acting as an "anti-chlor."
- Match: Therefore, SO2 matches with I anti-chlor.
-
Compound C: H2SO4 (Sulfuric Acid)
Sulfuric acid is a strong mineral acid and is highly corrosive. It is one of the most widely produced industrial chemicals. …
-
- TG EAPCET 2024Set ap-2024-05-07-FN1 markMCQQ.Match the following List I (Ore) A Siderite B Malachite C Sphalerite D Zincite List II (Composition) I ZnS II ZnO III FeCO3 IV Cu2S V CuCO3.Cu(OH)2 Options : (A) A-III B-I C-V D-II (B) A-III B-IV C-I D-II (C) A-III B-V C-I D-II (D) A-IV B-V C-II D-I
›Reveal solutionSolution
This question tests knowledge of common ores and their chemical compositions. The correct matches are: Siderite → FeCO₃, Malachite → CuCO₃·Cu(OH)₂, Sphalerite → ZnS, Zincite → ZnO, which corresponds to option (C).
The key here is to recall the standard chemical formulas for these well-known ores. Each ore is a naturally occurring mineral from which a metal is extracted. The composition is often given as a simple carbonate, sulfide, oxide, or a basic carbonate. Let’s match them one by one.
-
Siderite (A) is an iron ore. Its name comes from the Greek sideros (iron). It is iron(II) carbonate, so its composition is FeCO₃. This matches III in List II.
→ So A → III.
-
Malachite (B) is a green copper ore, often used as a gemstone. It is a basic copper carbonate, with the formula CuCO₃·Cu(OH)₂. This matches V in List II.
→ So B → V.
-
Sphalerite (C) is the chief ore of zinc. It is zinc sulfide, ZnS. This matches I in List II.
→ So C → I.
-
Zincite (D) is another zinc ore, but it is zinc oxide, ZnO. This matches II in List II.
→ So D → II.
Now, looking at the options:
- (A) A-III, B-I, C-V, D-II → Incorrect (B should be V, not I). …
-
- TG EAPCET 2024Set ap-2024-05-07-FN1 markMCQQ.Which of the following does not evolve O2, when made to react with water? (A) F2 (B) XeF2 (C) XeF4 (D) XeF6
›Reveal solutionSolution
When reacted with water, F2, XeF2, and XeF4 undergo redox reactions that oxidize water to O2, but XeF6 undergoes a non-redox hydrolysis to form XeO3, meaning it does not evolve O2. The correct option is (D).
The Concept: Hydrolysis and Oxidation States
At the heart of this question lies the concept of hydrolysis, which is a reaction with water. Specifically, we need to determine if these hydrolysis reactions are also redox reactions (reduction-oxidation reactions) where oxygen from water is oxidized to molecular oxygen (O2).
Water (H2O) contains oxygen in the -2 oxidation state. For O2 to be evolved, the oxygen in water must be oxidized from -2 to 0. This means that another species in the reaction must be reduced.
Let's consider the general behavior:
- Strong Oxidizing Agents: If a compound is a very strong oxidizing agent, it will readily oxidize water to O2.
- Xenon Fluorides (XeFn): These compounds feature xenon in positive oxidation states. When they react with water, two main scenarios can occur:
- Redox Hydrolysis: Xenon is reduced (e.g., to Xe gas, oxidation state 0) or disproportionates (changes to both higher and lower oxidation states), and in doing so, it oxidizes water to O2. This typically happens when xenon is in a lower positive oxidation state.
- Non-Redox Hydrolysis: Xenon's oxidation state remains unchanged. Water molecules simply replace fluoride ligands, forming xenon oxides or oxyfluorides. In this case, oxygen's oxidation state also remains -2, and no O2 is evolved. This is more likely when xenon is already in a high, stable oxidation state.
We'll examine each option by looking at the oxidation states of xenon and oxygen before and after the reaction with water.
Step-by-Step Analysis
Let's break down the reaction of each compound with water and track the oxidation states.
1. (A) F2 with H2O
Fluorine (F2) is the most electronegative element and the strongest oxidizing agent known. It readily oxidizes water.
- Initial Oxidation States:
- F in F2: 0
- O in H2O: -2
- Reaction: The reaction is vigorous, even explosive, and produces oxygen gas. 2F2(g)+2H2O(l)→4HF(aq)+O2(g)
- Final Oxidation States:
- F in HF: -1 (Fluorine is reduced from 0 to -1)
- O in O2: 0 (Oxygen is oxidized from -2 to 0)
Since oxygen's oxidation state changes from -2 to 0, O2 is evolved.
2. (B) XeF2 with H2O
Xenon difluoride (XeF2) reacts with water, and this is a redox process.
- Initial Oxidation States:
- Xe in XeF2: +2 (since F is -1)
- O in H2O: -2
- Reaction: 2XeF2(s)+2H2O(l)→2Xe(g)+4HF(aq)+O2(g)
- Final Oxidation States:
- Xe in Xe: 0 (Xenon is reduced from +2 to 0)
- O in O2: 0 (Oxygen is oxidized from -2 to 0)
Here, xenon is reduced, and water is oxidized. Therefore, O2 is evolved.
3. (C) XeF4 with H2O
Xenon tetrafluoride (XeF4) also undergoes a redox hydrolysis, which is a disproportionation reaction for xenon.
- Initial Oxidation States:
- Xe in XeF4: +4
- O in H2O: -2
- Reaction: The hydrolysis of XeF4 is complex, involving disproportionation of xenon. 6XeF4(s)+12H2O(l)→2XeO3(aq)+4Xe(g)+24HF(aq)+3O2(g)
- Final Oxidation States:
- Xe in XeO3: +6
- Xe in Xe: 0
- (Xenon disproportionates from +4 to +6 and 0)
- O in O2: 0 (Oxygen is oxidized from -2 to 0)
In this reaction, xenon disproportionates, and water is oxidized. Thus, O2 is evolved.
4. (D) XeF6 with H2O …
- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-13-FN1 markMCQQ.Which of the following is the strongest reducing agent? (A) TeO3 (B) SO3 (C) TeO2 (D) SO2
›Reveal solutionSolution
The strongest reducing agent is the species most easily oxidized (loses electrons). Among the given oxides, SO2 is the most readily oxidized to a higher oxidation state, making it the strongest reducing agent. The correct option is (D).
Concept and Intuition
A reducing agent donates electrons and gets oxidized itself. To compare reducing strength among oxides, we look at the oxidation state of the central atom (S or Te) and its tendency to increase further. Lower oxidation states are generally easier to oxidize, but stability trends in the periodic table also matter: sulfur in +4 is less stable than tellurium in +4, so SO2 is more eager to lose electrons than TeO2. Higher oxides like SO3 and TeO3 are already in their maximum oxidation states (+6) and cannot be easily oxidized—they are oxidizing agents, not reducing ones.
Step-by-step reasoning
-
Determine oxidation states
- In SO2: S is +4 (since O is -2 each, total -4, so S = +4).
- In SO3: S is +6.
- In TeO2: Te is +4.
- In TeO3: Te is +6. A reducing agent must be able to increase its oxidation state. Species already at +6 (the maximum for group 16) cannot be oxidized further under normal conditions—they are at the top of their oxidation ladder. So (A) and (B) are out.
-
Compare the +4 oxides: SO2 vs TeO2
Both can be oxidized to +6 (forming SO3 or TeO3). Which does so more readily?
- Sulfur is a smaller, more electronegative atom than tellurium. The +4 state for sulfur is less stable because the small size leads to greater electron-electron repulsion and a higher tendency to lose electrons to reach the more stable +6 state.
- Tellurium, being larger and more metallic, is more comfortable in the +4 state; it is harder to oxidize further.
- Experimentally, SO2 is a well-known reducing agent (e.g., it decolorizes KMnO4, reduces Fe3+ to Fe2+), while TeO2 is much less reactive as a reductant.
-
Eliminate the weaker candidates …
-
- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-12-FN1 markMCQQ.Match the following List–I (Substance) A) Na2O2 B) D2O C) Cs D) Mg(OH)2 List–II (Use) I. Photoelectric cells II. Antacid III. Oxidising agent IV. Moderator The correct answer is (A) A - III, B - IV, C - I, D - II (B) A - IV, B - III, C - II, D - I (C) A - III, B - IV, C - II, D - I (D) A - II, B - IV, C - I, D - III
›Reveal solutionSolution
This is a matching problem linking four substances to their primary uses. The correct pairing is: Na₂O₂ as an oxidising agent, D₂O as a moderator, Cs in photoelectric cells, and Mg(OH)₂ as an antacid — which corresponds to option (A).
The key is to recall the characteristic chemical or physical property of each substance and then match it to the most prominent application listed. Let’s go through each one carefully.
-
A) Na₂O₂ (Sodium peroxide)
- Sodium peroxide contains the peroxide ion (O₂²⁻), which is a strong oxidising agent. It readily releases oxygen or accepts electrons in reactions (e.g., with water or CO₂).
- Its common use is as an oxidising agent in bleaching, in oxygen generators, and in chemical synthesis.
- Therefore, A matches with III (Oxidising agent).
-
B) D₂O (Deuterium oxide, heavy water)
- D₂O is water where hydrogen is replaced by deuterium (²H). Its key property is a much lower neutron absorption cross-section than ordinary water, making it ideal for slowing down (moderating) neutrons in nuclear reactors without capturing them.
- It is not used as an oxidising agent, antacid, or in photoelectric cells.
- Hence, B matches with IV (Moderator).
-
C) Cs (Caesium)
- Caesium is an alkali metal with the lowest ionisation energy among stable elements. This makes it extremely sensitive to light — electrons are easily ejected when photons strike its surface (the photoelectric effect).
- It is widely used in photoelectric cells (e.g., in light sensors, night-vision devices).
- So, C matches with I (Photoelectric cells).
-
D) Mg(OH)₂ (Magnesium hydroxide) …
-
- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-12-FN1 markMCQQ.Consider the reaction P4+3NaOH+3H2O→Q+3NaH2PO2 Identify the reaction in which Q is not the product. (Equations are not balanced.) (A) Ca3P2+H2O→ (B) H3PO3Δ (C) PH4I+KOH→ (D) PCl3+H2O→
›Reveal solutionSolution
The reaction given produces phosphine (PH3) as Q; we must find which option does not yield PH3. The correct option is (B) because H3PO3 on heating disproportionates into H3PO4 and PH3, but the question asks for the reaction where Q is not a product — and in (B) Q is a product, so it is not the answer; actually we need the one where Q is absent. Re‑checking: (B) does produce PH3, so it is not the answer. The reaction that does not give PH3 is (D) PCl3+H2O→H3PO3+HCl, so Q is absent. Final result: (D).
TipThe key is to identify Q first. From the given equation P4+3NaOH+3H2O→Q+3NaH2PO2, note that NaH2PO2 is sodium hypophosphite. This is a classic disproportionation of white phosphorus in warm alkali: P4 is both oxidised (to hypophosphite) and reduced (to phosphine). Hence Q is phosphine, PH3.
Now we examine each option to see which one does not produce PH3.
- Option (A): Ca3P2+H2O→ Calcium phosphide reacts with water to give phosphine:
Ca3P2+6H2O→3Ca(OH)2+2PH3
So Q (PH3) is produced. Not the answer.
- Option (B): H3PO3Δ Phosphorous acid on heating disproportionates:
4H3PO3Δ3H3PO4+PH3
Again, PH3 is formed. So Q is produced. Not the answer.
- Option (C): PH4I+KOH→ Phosphonium iodide reacts with a base to give phosphine: …
- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-14-AN1 markMCQQ.In +2 oxidation state, which of the following lanthanoids act as reducing agents? (A) Ce, Pr (B) Eu, Gd (C) Eu, Yb (D) Lu, Er
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key is that lanthanoids in +2 oxidation states act as reducing agents when they can easily lose an electron to reach a stable +3 state, typically due to a half-filled or fully filled f-subshell. The correct pair is Eu and Yb, so option (C) is correct.
Concept and Intuition
Lanthanoids are most stable in the +3 oxidation state, which corresponds to the loss of two 6s electrons and one 4f electron (or sometimes one 5d electron). A +2 state is relatively rare and occurs only when it leads to a particularly stable electronic configuration — either a half-filled (4f⁷) or fully filled (4f¹⁴) f-subshell.
A lanthanoid in the +2 state will act as a reducing agent if it can easily lose another electron to revert to the stable +3 state. That ease is greatest when the +2 configuration is already close to a noble-gas-like f-shell (f⁷ or f¹⁴), so the +3 state is even more stable. The classic examples are Eu²⁺ (4f⁷) and Yb²⁺ (4f¹⁴).
Watch outA common mistake is to think that any lanthanoid with a +2 state is a reducing agent. But Ce²⁺, for instance, has a 4f² configuration — not especially stable — and actually tends to be oxidized to Ce⁴⁺ (a stable f⁰ state) rather than to Ce³⁺. So Ce²⁺ is not a reducing agent in the same sense.
Step-by-Step Reasoning
-
Recall the stable +2 configurations
The +2 oxidation state is most stable when it yields either 4f⁷ (half-filled) or 4f¹⁴ (fully filled). Among lanthanoids, these occur for:
- Eu²⁺: [Xe]4f⁷ (half-filled)
- Yb²⁺: [Xe]4f¹⁴ (fully filled)
-
Why these act as reducing agents …
-
🎓Unlock everything free for 14 days
- ✓Full step-by-step solutions
- ✓Concept-first explanations
- ✓Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
- ✓PYQ mapping + timed mock tests
Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.