Indicate whether each of the following chemical conversions REQUIRES an oxidizing agent (O), a reducing agent

Indicate whether each of the following chemical conversions REQUIRES an oxidizing agent (O), a reducing agent (R), or neither (N).



a) NO31- NH3

b) PO33- PO43-

c) AgCl Ag1+ + Cl1-

a) NO3- --> NH3 Requires a reducing agent

b) PO33- --> PO43- Requires an oxidizing agent

c. AgCl --> Ag+ + Cl- There is no change in oxidation number.

You figure this out by looking at the oxidation numbers of things in the equations. In the first one, the oxidation number of N decreases. Since this is a reduction, a reducing agent is required. In b), the oxidation number of P increases. Since this is an oxidation, an oxidizing agent is required. In c), there is no change in the oxidation numbers, so neither is required.