Equivalence factor or n factor (Equivalent weight)

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SUMMARY

The equivalence factor of the compound FeSO4.Cr2(SO4)3.24H2O is determined to be 8, based on the precipitation of hydroxides from both iron and chromium. However, a redox reaction analysis suggests an equivalence factor of 7, as two chromium ions (Cr(III)) oxidize to chromium (Cr(VI)), releasing 6 electrons, while one iron ion (Fe(II)) oxidizes to iron (Fe(III)), releasing 1 electron. This discrepancy highlights the complexity of calculating equivalence factors in compounds with multiple reactive components.

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  • Knowledge of basic precipitation reactions involving metal hydroxides
  • Proficiency in balancing chemical equations
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erisedk
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Homework Statement


Equivalence factor of the salt is FeSO4.Cr2(SO4)3.24H2O is
Ans is 8.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Equivalence factor of an acid or base is its basicity or acidity, and for a compound undergoing redox reaction, it is the number of electrons exchanged per mole of compound. I'm not sure how to go about in the case of the given salt.
 
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Rather lousy question if you ask me. You can get 8 trying to precipitate hydroxides of both metals, but if you go for redox the more reasonable number is 7 (two Cr(III) get oxidized to Cr(VI) giving away 6 electrons, and Fe(II) gets oxidized to Fe(III) giving one electron, 6+1=7).

In general, equivalents are often confusing when there is more than one reaction that can take place (which is why they should be avoided in the initial chemistry lessons).
 
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Likes   Reactions: epenguin
Ok thanks!
 

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