In the decomposition of cobalt(II) chloride, which element undergoes oxidation?

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Multiple Choice

In the decomposition of cobalt(II) chloride, which element undergoes oxidation?

Explanation:
Oxidation is an increase in oxidation state, which comes with a loss of electrons. When cobalt(II) chloride is heated and decomposes, it typically forms metallic cobalt and chlorine gas: CoCl2 → Co + Cl2. In the starting material, cobalt is +2 and chlorine is -1. In the products, cobalt is 0 (metal), which is a decrease in oxidation state, so cobalt is reduced. Chlorine goes from -1 in CoCl2 to 0 in Cl2, which is an increase in oxidation state, so chlorine is oxidized. Thus, chlorine is the element that undergoes oxidation.

Oxidation is an increase in oxidation state, which comes with a loss of electrons. When cobalt(II) chloride is heated and decomposes, it typically forms metallic cobalt and chlorine gas: CoCl2 → Co + Cl2. In the starting material, cobalt is +2 and chlorine is -1. In the products, cobalt is 0 (metal), which is a decrease in oxidation state, so cobalt is reduced. Chlorine goes from -1 in CoCl2 to 0 in Cl2, which is an increase in oxidation state, so chlorine is oxidized. Thus, chlorine is the element that undergoes oxidation.

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