EXPERIMENT NO.

2
OXIDATION REDUCTION REACTIONS
BANAN, Jan Paullene
2015-06232
CASTILLO, Leslie Anne
2015-46255
CHEMISTRY 14.1 TCD2 GROUP #2

March 15, 2016

I.
ABSTRACT
Oxidation-Reduction reactions, also known as Redox reactions, are chemical reactions that involve
electron transfer. These reactions are significant to earth life as it is responsible mainly for sustaining oxygen
in our atmosphere through photosynthesis and sustaining electricity by its capability to transform potential
energy of fuels to electrical energy. This experiment was conducted by the students to further understand how
and when a redox reaction takes place. Four different set ups were made having different reagents combined
in each. Indications of redox reactions were observed. The results obtained are attributed to corresponding
colors in order to attribute it with the products listed in the theoretical data. Oxidation states were also
computed in order to determine which reagent is the reducing or oxidizing agent. The students highly
recommended that this experiment be conducted for Chemistry 14.1 classes for it is an easy way to learn
about redox reactions. They further recommended that more reagents may be used to have a wider
understanding about different chemical reactions.
II.

INTRODUCTION

A redox reaction is a chemical reaction

that takes place when an element, ion, or
compound
gain
and
lose
electrons
simultaneously. The two half-reactions that
compose this reaction are reduction and
oxidation. Reduction happens when an element
gains electrons. Oxidation, on the other hand,
takes place when an element loses electrons.
The oxidizing agent is the reduced element and
the reducing agent is the oxidized element. The
change in the number of electrons can be
determined by computing the changes in the
oxidation number of the corresponding
elements. When there is a gain of electrons, it is
usually denoted by a positive sign followed by
the coefficient of the number of electrons
gained. The loss of electron is denoted in a
similar way but uses a negative sign to indicate
its electron deficit. It is important to know that
these half reactions always occur together. In
other words, if there is one substance that gains
electrons another one loses them (Sevenair and
Burkett, 1997).
Redox reactions are important to the life
in earth since they are used to convert potential
energy of fossil fuels into electrical energy. This
electrical energy is responsible for the energy
that we use to cook, to light our houses, to iron
our clothes, and to make our cars move. It is
also responsible for photosynthesis which
maintains the amount of oxygen present in our
environment.

Chem 14.1 | Oxidation-Reduction Reactions

In the experiment, the students had a

first-hand experience in manipulating the
occurrence of redox reactions. The students
were able to see what the visible indications of
redox reactions are. Also, they were able to
determine the oxidation states of the elements
and identify which agents are oxidizing and
reducing in the reaction. The experiment was
performed successfully for it met the objectives
by combining different reagents in an
appropriate set-up in the appropriate laboratory.
The reagents were carefully observed and their
changes were recorded. Afterwards, the
obtained data were analyzed by using the
lessons learned in the pre-laboratory and past
discussions.
III.

METHODOLOGY
Laboratory apparatuses such as 10-mL
test tubes, test tube racks, and droppers were
prepared along with the chemicals that were
used namely 0.1 M Potassium dichromate
(K2Cr2O7), Magnesium (Mg) ribbon, 0.1 M
Sodium oxalate (Na2C2O4), 0.1 M Sodium
thiosulfate pentahydrate (Na2S2O3), 0.1 M
Sulfuric acid (H2SO4), 0.1 M Copper (II) nitrate
trihydrate (Cu(NO3)2), 6 M H2SO4, 0.1 M
Potassium permanganate (KMnO4), 0.1 M Iodine
potassium iodide (I2 in KI) and 3% Fresh
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).
Four different test tubes were used for
each chemical reaction. Five drops of 0.1 M
Cu(NO3)2 were added to Magnesium ribbon in

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the first test tube and the test tube was then
placed in the test tube rack. Two drops of 0.1 M
K2Cr2O7 was mixed with six drops of 6 M H2SO4
and four drops of 3% fresh H2O2 in the second
test tube and the test tube was then placed in
the test tube rack. Two drops of 0.1 M I2 in KI
was mixed with two drops of 0.1 M Na2S2O3 in
the third test tube and the test tube was then
placed in the test tube rack. And two drops of
0.1 M KMnO4 was mixed with six drops of 6 M
H2SO4 and six drops of 0.1 M Na2C2O4 in the
fourth test tube and the test tube was then
placed in the test tube rack.
Observations were carefully made after
the chemicals start reacting. Then, the students
took down notes for visible results such as
evolution of gas and changes in color.

Table 1. Balanced Equation and Observations

TEST
TUBE

BALANCED
EQUATION

OBSERVATION

Cu(NO3)2 + Mg
Mg(NO3)2 + Cu

K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 +
3H2O2
K2SO4 +
Cr2(SO4)3 + 3O2 +
7H2O

2Na2SO2O3 + I2
Na2S4O6 + 2NaI

2KMnO4 + 8H2SO4 +
5Na2C2O4
2MnSO4 + 10CO2 +
8H2O + 5Na2SO4 +
K2SO4

Copper (II) nitrate

was blue, Mg
ribbon was silver,
color changed to
colorless, Mg
ribbon rusted and
bubbles were
seen, (see Fig. 1)
Potassium
dichromate
yellow-ish in
color, Sulfuric
acid and
hydrogen
peroxide both
colorless, color
changed from
black to light
brownish yellow,
Small bubbles
were seen (see
Fig. 2)
Color
changed from
yellow to
colorless with
white solid
particles seen
(see Fig. 3)
Potassium
permanganate
originally violet in
color, color
changed to
colorless after 10
seconds from
dropping sodium
oxalate (see Fig.
4)

IV.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

After combining the different reagents in
different test tubes, the changes in color were
observed and the evolution of gas indicated by
small bubbles, for some.
The results of the combination of
reagents are as follows:

Figure 1. Test Tube A

Figure 2. Test Tube B

observations
from
the 4.
combinations
Figure 3.The
Test
Tube C
Figure
Test Tube D
are as follows:

Chem 14.1 | Oxidation-Reduction Reactions

The colors of the distinct reagents were

recorded before and after they are combined
with another reagent. Their oxidation states
were quantified by referring to the periodic table
and calculating through the oxidation states of
the elements whose oxidation states were
unchanged.
The changes in color and oxidation
states are as follows:

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Table 2. Changes in Color and Oxidation State

ELEMENT COMCOLOR
OXIDATION
POUND
(Aq.
STATE
/ ION
Soln)
Cu(NO3)2
Blue
2
Cu
Cu
Brick Red
0
Mg

Mg(NO3)2

Colorless

Mg

Silvery
White
Yellow
Orange
Green

Kr2Cr2O7
Cr

Mn

Chromic
ion
I2

0
6
3

KI

Reddish
Brown
Colorless

-1

H2O

Colorless

-2

H2O2

Colorless

-1

Na2S2O3

Colorless

Na2S4O6

Colorless

2.5

KMnO4
MnSO4
MnO2

Purple
Colorless
Brown
precipitate
Colorless
gas
Colorless

7
2

CO2
C

Na2C2O4

4
4
3

Based on the data acquired, the

oxidizing and the reducing agents were
determined by the changes in their respective
oxidation states. The visible indications of redox
reactions are change in color, precipitation, and
formation of gases. (Sevenair and Burkett,
1997).
In test tube A, the color transitioned
from blue to colorless. The original color is
attributed to Cu(NO3)2 while the Mg(NO3)2 is
responsible for the color of the product. Also, it
was observed that the Magnesium ribbon rusted
causing some bubbles to appear. In order to
balance the equation of the reaction, the
oxidation number method was used to identify
which one is the oxidizing or reducing agent.
The steps are as follows:
+2 +5 -2
0
Cu(NO3)2 + Mg

+2 +5 -2
0
Mg(NO3)2 + Cu

Chem 14.1 | Oxidation-Reduction Reactions

The resulting and balanced reaction is:

Cu(NO3)2 + Mg

Mg(NO3)2 + Cu

Since Mg (reactant side) and Cu

(product side) are pure elements, both have 0
oxidation states. In order to compute for the
oxidation state of the central atom in Cu(NO3)2,
the oxidation state of O (-2) is multiplied to its
subscript (3) then multiplied again to the
subscript of the whole NO3 compound (2). Then
there is a total charge of -12. Since Cu has a +2
oxidation state, it is then subtracted to -12
leaving the value -10. Lastly, the value was
divided by the subscript of NO3 (2) that arrived to
-5. However, it is important to neutralize the
atom so the sign of -5 is changed to +5. The
same process was done on the product side
since Mg has the same oxidation state as
Copper. Cu had undergone reduction since it
gained two electrons and its oxidation state
changed from +2 to 0. Meanwhile, Mg had
undergone oxidation since it lost two electrons
and its oxidation state shifted from 0 to +2.
Hence, the oxidizing agent is Cu and the
reducing agent is Mg.
In test tube B, the change in color of
potassium dichromate from yellow-ish color to
black then light brown-ish yellow occured when
sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide were added.
Also, small bubbles were seen. The color
originally came from K2Cr2O7 while the color of
the product can be attributed to Cr2(SO4)3. The
process done in computing for the oxidation
states of the atoms in test tube A was done for
test tube B. The computation is as follows:
+1 +6 -2 +1 +6 -2 + K2Cr2O7 + H2SO4 + H2O2
+1 +6 -2 +3 +6 -2 0
+ -2
K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + O2 + H2O
The resulting and balanced reaction is:
K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 + 3H2O2
K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 3O2 + 7H2O
The products O2 and H2O were the results of
the reaction that took place in H2O2. Based on
the computation, Cr2 gained a total of 6 electrons
(since its oxidation state is +3 and there are two
atoms, we multiplied it) and had undergone an
reduction reaction. On the other hand, H2O2 lost
6 electrons (since its oxidation state in H2O2 is -1

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and there are two atoms, we multiplied it and

multiplied it furthermore to 3 atoms which is
computed from the balanced equation) and had
undergone oxidation reaction. The reducing
agent, therefore, is the H2O2 and the oxidizing
agent is the Cr2. It was carefully noted that H2O2
in this experiment was freshly prepared because
Hydrogen peroxide easily oxidizes and the
equation for that reaction is 2HO 2HO +
O. The rate of its decomposition also is
manipulated by the temperature of its
surroundings (Ernest, 2014).
For test tube C, it can be seen that the color
changed from yellow to colorless with white solid
particles seen. The original color came from I2
while the color of the product may be attributed
to either NaI or Na2S4O6. The changes in the
oxidation state can be seen as follows:
+2 +2 -2 0
Na2SO2O3 + I2

+1 +2.5 -2 + Na2S4O6 + NaI

The resulting and balanced reaction is:

2Na2SO2O3 + I2

Na2S4O6 + 2NaIs

Sulfur (S) lost 0.5 electrons and its

oxidation state changed from +2 to +2.5. Iodine
(I), on the other hand, gained 2 electrons (since
there are 2 atoms, we multiplied it) and its
oxidation state changed from 0 to -1. It can be
concluded that sulfur had undergone a reduction
reaction and iodine, an oxidation reaction. Sulfur
is the oxidizing agent and iodine is the reducing
agent, then.
Lastly, in test tube D, the original color
of potassium permanganate (KMnO4) violet,
turned colorless 10 seconds after dropping 10
drops of sodium oxalate (Na2C2O4). Hence, it
can be concluded that sodium oxalate is the one
responsible for the color of the product. The
change in oxidation states of the atoms involved
are as follows:
+1 +7 -2 +1 +6 -2 +1 +3 -2
KMnO4 + H2SO4 + Na2C2O4
+2 +6 -2 +4 -2 +1 -2 +1 +6 -2 +1 +6 -2
MnSO4 + CO2 + H2O + Na2SO4 + K2SO4
The resulting and balanced reaction is:
2KMnO4 + 8H2SO4 + 5Na2C2O4
2MnSO4 + 10CO2 + 8H2O + 5Na2SO4 + K2SO4

Chem 14.1 | Oxidation-Reduction Reactions

From the changes in the oxidation state,

it can be observed that reduction occurred in Mn
since it gained 10 electrons (since it gained 5
electrons but there were two atoms, we
multiplied it) and oxidation occurred in C since it
lost a total of 10 electrons (one electron times 2
atoms and another multiply to 5). It was found
out that the reducing agent is Carbon and the
oxidizing agent is Magnesium.
The results obtained from the reactions
(based on the experimental and theoretical data)
indicate that a redox reaction has happened in
the experiment. The theoretical data as seen in
table 2, matched the data acquired in the
experiment proper.
All of the reactions that happened in this
experiment are redox reactions. However,
chemical reactions are not always oxidation and
reduction. As stated in Bodner Research Web
(n.d.), there is also a reaction called metathesis
reaction wherein no atoms or elements will
experience any change in oxidation states. This
reaction usually occurs when a Lewis base
shares a pair of electron with a Lewis acid.
V.

CONCLUSION
The experiment performed showed
indications of the occurrence of redox reaction. It
can be concluded by the physical evidences
observed in the combination of different
reagents in the test tubes. This includes change
in color, precipitation, and formation of gas. The
next evidence is seen in the analysis of the
changes in the oxidation states of the elements
involved. Based on the computations for the
gain and loss of electrons, the reducing agents
were Mg (for test tube A), I, C, and Cr2 while the
oxidizing agents were Cu, S, Mg (for test tube D)
and H2O2.
VI.

RECOMMENDATIONS
The students recommend that this
experiment
regarding
Oxidation-Reduction
Reactions be continued to be given in the
chemistry 14 curriculum because it is a good
and easy way to let students learn more and
understand more about redox reactions.
However, the students also recommend that
more chemical reactions would be added to the
experiment so that it would not only just be four
and for the students to observe more visible
results to be more convinced that redox
reactions took place and that redox reactions
really do exist.

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VII.

REFERENCES

Bodner Research Web. (n.d.). Oxidationreduction reactions. Retrieved from

http://chemed.chem.purdue.edu/genche
m/topicreview/bp/ch19/oxred_1.php
Ernest, Z. (2014, August 7). What does
hydrogen peroxide spontaneously
decompose into? Retrieved from
http://socratic.org/questions/what-doeshydrogen-peroxide-spontaneouslydecompose-into
Sevenair, J. & Burkett, A. (1997). Introductory
chemistry: Investigating the molecular
nature of matter. Dubuque, IA: Wm. C.
Brown Communications, Inc.

Chem 14.1 | Oxidation-Reduction Reactions

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