Who knows this AP Chem problem

Pre-College Issues High School Life
21

<p>Sure, BestMiler1.</p>

<p>The reaction is oxidation because when you have an element standing alone (Ni), the oxidation number is automatically 0, no matter how many there are. It could be Ni2, Ni3, Ni8, and so on.</p>

<p>Now, you can see that this Ni is going to +2, so an increase in oxidation number means oxidation. 0 - > 2 signifies a loss of electrons and an increase in protons, hence the reaction is an oxidation one.</p>

<p>If the reaction were Ni (2+) + 2 e- - > Ni, the reaction would be classified as a reduction, because there is a GAIN of electrons (2-0), and a decrease in oxidation number.</p>

<p>However, keep in mind that an oxidation reaction means the element is actually a reducing element, and in a reducton reaction, the element is considered and oxidizang agent. Hope this helps.</p>

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<p>yes...thank you very much dasani....from my memory i remember how and oxidant reduction is atually a reduction agent and how reduction reaction is an oxidant agent....thank you for clarifying to me why it was oxidation....i understand now</p>

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<p>Dasani:
You are right about gain and loss of electrons. However, REDOX has absolutely nothing to do with an "increase in protons"... only electrons</p>