b. which element is more likely to lose one electron as part of the process of forming an oxide (cu₂o or…

b. which element is more likely to lose one electron as part of the process of forming an oxide (cu₂o or sno) with oxygen in the air?

b. which element is more likely to lose one electron as part of the process of forming an oxide (cu₂o or sno) with oxygen in the air?

Answer

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze oxidation states

In ( \ce{Cu2O} ), let the oxidation state of ( \ce{Cu} ) be ( x ). Since the oxidation state of ( \ce{O} ) is ( -2 ), we have ( 2x + (-2) = 0 ), so ( 2x = 2 ) and ( x = +1 ). In the formation of ( \ce{Cu2O} ), ( \ce{Cu} ) goes from its elemental state (oxidation state ( 0 )) to ( +1 ), meaning it loses 1 electron.

In ( \ce{SnO} ), let the oxidation state of ( \ce{Sn} ) be ( y ). With ( \ce{O} ) at ( -2 ), we have ( y + (-2) = 0 ), so ( y = +2 ). For ( \ce{Sn} ) to form ( \ce{SnO} ) from its elemental state (( 0 )), it loses 2 electrons.

Step2: Compare electron loss

We need the element that loses 1 electron. ( \ce{Cu} ) loses 1 electron to form ( \ce{Cu2O} ), while ( \ce{Sn} ) loses 2 electrons to form ( \ce{SnO} ). So ( \ce{Cu} ) is more likely to lose one electron.

Answer:

Copper (Cu)