The reaction 2 A l ( s ) + 3 B r 2 ( l ) r i g h t a rro w 2 A lB r 3 ( s ) is analyzed to determine if it is a precipitation, acid-base neutralization, or redox reaction. It is found to be a redox reaction because the oxidation states of aluminum and bromine change during the reaction.
The reaction is not a precipitation reaction because the reactants are not aqueous solutions.
The reaction is not an acid-base neutralization because it does not involve the reaction of an acid and a base.
The reaction is a redox reaction because the oxidation states of Al and Br change.
Therefore, the reaction is classified as a re d o x re a c t i o n .
Explanation
Understanding the Reaction We are asked to classify the chemical reaction 2 A l ( s ) + 3 B r 2 ( l ) r i g h t a rro w 2 A lB r 3 ( s ) as precipitation, acid-base neutralization, or redox reaction.
Checking for Precipitation First, let's consider if it's a precipitation reaction. Precipitation reactions involve the formation of a solid precipitate from aqueous solutions. In this reaction, aluminum ( A l ) is a solid, bromine ( B r 2 ) is a liquid, and aluminum bromide ( A lB r 3 ) is a solid. Since the reactants are not aqueous solutions, it is not a precipitation reaction.
Checking for Acid-Base Neutralization Next, let's see if it's an acid-base neutralization reaction. Acid-base neutralization reactions involve the reaction of an acid and a base to form a salt and water. In this reaction, we don't have a typical acid and base reacting. Therefore, it is not an acid-base neutralization reaction.
Checking for Redox Reaction Now, let's determine if it's a redox reaction. Redox reactions involve the transfer of electrons between reactants, resulting in a change in oxidation states. In this reaction, aluminum (Al) starts with an oxidation state of 0 and ends up with an oxidation state of +3 in A lB r 3 . Bromine ( B r 2 ) starts with an oxidation state of 0 and ends up with an oxidation state of -1 in A lB r 3 . Since the oxidation states of Al and Br change during the reaction, it is a redox reaction.
Conclusion Therefore, the given reaction is a redox reaction.
Examples
Redox reactions are essential in many real-world applications, such as batteries, corrosion, and combustion. For example, the reaction between zinc and copper ions in a battery is a redox reaction that generates electricity. Similarly, the rusting of iron is a redox reaction where iron reacts with oxygen and water to form iron oxide. Understanding redox reactions helps us develop new technologies and prevent unwanted processes like corrosion.
The reaction 2 Al ( s ) + 3 Br 2 ( l ) → 2 AlBr 3 ( s ) is classified as a redox reaction because there is a change in oxidation states for aluminum and bromine. It is not a precipitation or acid-base neutralization reaction. Thus, the correct answer is a redox reaction.
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