Periodic Table and oxidising agent

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying elements based on specific chemical properties, particularly focusing on an element that has a molecule with exactly four atoms and an element that reacts with water to produce a solution that can act as an oxidizing agent. The scope includes homework-related queries and chemical reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that boron is an element with a tetra-atomic molecule (BF3).
  • Others suggest magnesium (Mg) as an element that reacts with water to form Mg(OH)2, but question whether this solution acts as an oxidizing agent.
  • Some participants clarify that Mg(OH)2 is not an oxidizing agent and question its classification as a reducing agent.
  • Phosphorus (P4) is identified by some participants as another example of a tetra-atomic molecule.
  • There is uncertainty regarding the definition of an oxidizing agent and how it relates to the elements in question.
  • Participants discuss common household oxidizing agents, with bleach (sodium hypochlorite) being mentioned as a relevant example.
  • Chlorine (Cl2) is proposed as an element that reacts with water to form a compound similar to sodium hypochlorite, which can act as an oxidizing agent.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the identification of phosphorus as a tetra-atomic molecule. However, there is disagreement and uncertainty regarding the classification of magnesium hydroxide and the criteria for identifying an oxidizing agent from the reaction with water. The discussion remains unresolved on several points, particularly regarding the properties of Mg(OH)2 and the definitions of oxidizing agents.

Contextual Notes

Participants express limitations in deducing answers without checking individual elements and emphasize the need for clarity on whether the original element or the resulting product must act as an oxidizing agent.

Priyadarshini
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Homework Statement


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(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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