Understanding Redox Reactions: Balancing Multiple Reductions and Oxidations

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on balancing the redox reaction involving cadmium sulfide (CdS) and dilute nitric acid (HNO3) to yield cadmium nitrate (Cd(NO3)2), nitrogen monoxide (NO), sulfur (S), and water (H2O). Participants confirm that both cadmium (Cd) and nitrogen (N) can be reduced simultaneously, but emphasize that for a valid redox reaction, both reduction and oxidation must occur concurrently. The oxidation states for cadmium and nitrogen were calculated as Cd5+ to Cd1+ and N5+ to N2+, respectively, indicating a reduction process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of oxidation states and how to calculate them
  • Familiarity with redox reactions and their balancing
  • Knowledge of chemical reaction equations
  • Basic concepts of dilute acids and their role in redox reactions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of balancing redox reactions using the half-reaction method
  • Learn about oxidation and reduction processes in detail
  • Explore examples of redox reactions involving multiple reductions and oxidations
  • Investigate the role of different acids in facilitating redox reactions
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, educators, and professionals involved in chemical reactions, particularly those focusing on redox processes and reaction balancing.

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I am supposed to balance the following reaction:
CdS + HNO3 (dil) → Cd(NO3)2 + NO + S + H2O

After writing out all the oxidation numbers for each atom, I found that Cd and N are both reduced (Cd5+ → Cd 1+ and N5+ → N2+).

I am wondering how to approach this problem. Is it possible to have 2 atoms reduced? Is this what the dilute acid does?
 
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Show how you calculated oxidation numbers for Cd and S.

Yes, it may happen that more than one atom gets reduced or oxidized, but in such situations it usually means there are two separate, parallel processes going on - and they can be described by two reaction equations. However, for the redox reaction to proceed you need BOTH reduction and oxidation to be taking place at the same time. So if you have found only elements that are being reduced, there is for sure something wrong.
 

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