Question

Find the n- factor in the following chemical changes.
${C_2}O_4^{2 - } \to C{O_2}$
a.) 1
b.) 2
c.) 3
d.) none of these

Answer 1

Hint:. The n- factor is usually described as the number of moles of electrons lost or gained i.e. total number of electrons exchanged by one mole of salt in a chemical reaction. In this, the reactant has a charge of -2 but the product is neutral.

Complete step by step answer:
The n- factor is described as the number of electrons exchanged in the chemical redox reaction.
If we see the above reaction, the reactant side has a negative charge of 2. But the product i.e. Carbon dioxide is neutral. So, this means the reactant has lost two electrons. Thus, the n- factor is 2.
So, the correct answer is “Option B”.

Additional Information:
Carbon dioxide is a colourless gas that has carbon in neutral state. It is used by the food industry, the oil industry and the chemical industry. It is used in production of carbonated drinks. It is used as a food additive. It is used as a propellant and acidity regulator in the food industry.

Note: It must be noted that for acids, n- factor is defined as the number of replaceable ${H^ + }$ions per molecule. While for bases, it is the number of replaceable $O{H^ - }$ ions present per molecule. But if we see the redox reaction, then it is defined as the change in their reduction or oxidation number on both sides of the chemical reaction. In case of salt, it is defined as the number of positive or negative ions.