Which of the following are redox reactions? For those that are, indicate which element is oxidized and whisch is reduced. For those that are not, indicate whether they are precipitation or neutralization reactions.

(a) P4(s) + 10HClO(aq) + 6H2O = 4H3PO4(aq) + 10HCl(aq)

(b) Br2(l) + 2K(s) = 2KBr(s)

(c) CH3CH2OH(l) + 3O2(g) = 3H2O(l) + 2CO2(g)

(d) ZnCl2(aq) + 2NaOH(aq) = Zn(OH)2(s) + 2NaCl(aq)

5 answers

I could write a book (well, maybe only a short one) about this. Exactly where are you having trouble.
1. You need to know how to determine the oxidation states of each element. I can give you a link for that.
2. You need to know which are oxidized and which reduced. Remember this definition. Oxidation is the loss of electrons.
3. For pptn reactions you need to know solubilities. I can give you a link for that.

I'm lost on the entire part. I did not understand this part of the chapter at all and I'm using this problem out of the book to study for the test.

a,c

A,B,C

a,b,c