(a) Write the ionic equation for the reaction between zinc powder and silver trioxonitrate (VI) solution (b) Which substance in (a) above is (i) oxidized, (...

(a) Ionic equation for the reaction between zinc powder and silver trioxonitrate (V) solution

Zinc displaces silver from the solution because zinc is higher than silver in the electrochemical series:

Zn_(s) + 2Ag⁺_(aq) → Zn²⁺_(aq) + 2Ag_(s)

(b) Oxidation and reduction

• (i) Oxidized: zinc (Zn). Its oxidation number rises from 0 to +2; it loses electrons.
• (ii) Reduced: the silver ion (Ag⁺). Its oxidation number falls from +1 to 0; it gains electrons.

(c) Two applications of oxidation numbers

• They are used in writing and balancing redox equations.
• They are used in the systematic naming (IUPAC nomenclature) of compounds, for example iron (II) and iron (III).
• They are used to identify the species oxidized or reduced and the oxidizing and reducing agents in a reaction.

Any two are acceptable.