How do I identify acid-base reactions and redox reactions?

1 Answer
anor277
Feb 21, 2017

These reactions are not mutually exclusive...........

Explanation:

#NaH(s) + H_2O(l) rarr NaOH(aq) + 1/2H_2(g)uarr#

As written this is an acid-base reaction, as well as a redox rxn, in that the hydride anion has reduced the water molecule to give dihydrogen.

In general, any reaction in which oxidation states change (and fuel oxidation falls under this umbrella) are in fact #"redox reactions"#.

Can you assign formal oxidation states for this combustion:

#CH_4(g) + 2O_2(g) rarr CO_2(g) + 2H_2O(l)#

Hint, carbon is more electronegative than hydrogen, and hence assumes a formal #C^(-IV)# state in #"methane"#. The oxidation state of hydrogen in #"dihydrogen gas"# is #0#.

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