Periodic Table and oxidising agent

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on identifying elements that meet specific criteria: one that forms a molecule with exactly four atoms and another that reacts with water to produce an oxidizing agent. Participants concluded that phosphorus (P4) satisfies the first condition, while chlorine (Cl2) is the element that, when reacted with water, produces hydrochloric acid (HCl) and hypochlorous acid (HClO), thus acting as an oxidizing agent. Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) was incorrectly suggested as an oxidizing agent but was clarified to be neither a strong oxidizing nor reducing agent.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of molecular structures, specifically tetra-atomic molecules.
  • Knowledge of oxidation-reduction reactions and the role of oxidizing agents.
  • Familiarity with chemical reactions involving water and common household chemicals.
  • Basic chemistry concepts related to elements and their compounds.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and reactions of phosphorus, particularly P4.
  • Study the chemical behavior of chlorine and its compounds, especially in aqueous solutions.
  • Learn about common oxidizing agents and their applications in chemistry.
  • Explore the characteristics and reactions of magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) in various chemical contexts.
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the properties of elements and their reactions, particularly in the context of oxidation and reduction processes.

Priyadarshini
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Homework Statement


upload_2016-2-6_20-20-47.png

(i) An element that has a molecule which contains exactly four atoms.
(ii) An element that reacts with water to give a solution that can behave as an oxidising agent.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


(i) Shouldn't it be boron? Boron forms BF3 which has four atoms.
(ii) Mg? Because Mg forms Mg+2 ions when it forms an oxide/hydroxide with water. This will cause it to reduce itself, oxidising other compounds, making it an oxidising reagent.[/B]
 
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Your answer to (i) sounds fine, but in (ii) it says that the solution formed after reacting with water should be an oxidizing agent. While you are correct that Mg becomes oxidized when reacting with water, the resulting solution of Mg(OH)2 is not an oxidizing reagent.
 
Single element. Tetra-atomic. Try again.
 
Bystander said:
Single element. Tetra-atomic. Try again.
Ohhhh, I see. Phosphorous, it forms P4
 
Ygggdrasil said:
Your answer to (i) sounds fine, but in (ii) it says that the solution formed after reacting with water should be an oxidizing agent. While you are correct that Mg becomes oxidized when reacting with water, the resulting solution of Mg(OH)2 is not an oxidizing reagent.
Is Mg(OH)2 a reducing agent then? Or neither?
How would I go about answering this question?
 
Priyadarshini said:
Phosphorous, it forms P4
Correct.
 
Priyadarshini said:
...reacts with water to give a solution that can behave as an oxidising agent.
... How would I go about answering this question?
What is an oxidising agent, in general terms? But I don't know how much that will help you, unless you already know an answer!
You might think about which elements behave as oxidising agents, then look into their reaction with water.
Otherwise I think it is just general knowledge of common chemicals which might tell you.

I myself don't know THE answer, just an answer.
 
Priyadarshini said:
Is Mg(OH)2 a reducing agent then? Or neither?
How would I go about answering this question?
Mg(OH)2 is neither a strong reducing agent nor oxidizing agent. Honestly, I'm not sure how you're supposed to deduce the answer without checking each element individually. I will give the hint to think of common household oxidizing agents (in particular the smell of one element is associated with this oxidizing agent).
 
Merlin3189 said:
What is an oxidising agent, in general terms? But I don't know how much that will help you, unless you already know an answer!
You might think about which elements behave as oxidising agents, then look into their reaction with water.
Otherwise I think it is just general knowledge of common chemicals which might tell you.

I myself don't know THE answer, just an answer.
Oxidising agents oxidise other elements or compounds and reduce themselves in the process.
 
  • #10
Merlin3189 said:
What is an oxidising agent, in general terms? But I don't know how much that will help you, unless you already know an answer!
You might think about which elements behave as oxidising agents, then look into their reaction with water.
Otherwise I think it is just general knowledge of common chemicals which might tell you.

I myself don't know THE answer, just an answer.

Ygggdrasil said:
Mg(OH)2 is neither a strong reducing agent nor oxidizing agent. Honestly, I'm not sure how you're supposed to deduce the answer without checking each element individually. I will give the hint to think of common household oxidizing agents (in particular the smell of one element is associated with this oxidizing agent).
In the question, are they asking for an element that can act as an oxidising agent? Or must the element after reacting with water, be able to act as an oxidising agent?
Common household oxidising agents, bleach?
 
  • #11
Also known as what?
 
  • #12
Priyadarshini said:
In the question, are they asking for an element that can act as an oxidising agent? Or must the element after reacting with water, be able to act as an oxidising agent?
After the element reacts with water, the resulting product must be able to act as an oxidizing agent. It doesn't matter whether the originial element was an oxidizing agent or not.
Common household oxidising agents, bleach?
Yes, you are on the correct track with that thought.
 
  • #13
Bystander said:
Also known as what?

Ygggdrasil said:
After the element reacts with water, the resulting product must be able to act as an oxidizing agent. It doesn't matter whether the originial element was an oxidizing agent or not.
Yes, you are on the correct track with that thought.
NaClO, sodium chlorate (I)
 
  • #14
Priyadarshini said:
NaClO, sodium chlorate (I)
Right. Bleach is sodium hypochlorite (NaClO). Sodium chlorate is NaClO3.

What element, when reacted with water might form something similar to sodium hypochlorite.
 
  • #15
Ygggdrasil said:
Right. Bleach is sodium hypochlorite (NaClO). Sodium chlorate is NaClO3.

What element, when reacted with water might form something similar to sodium hypochlorite.
Cl2 and water would give HCl and HClO, so chlorine is the answer!
Thank you!
 

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