Chemistry for Engineers

Instructor: Ms. Lyka D. Lamoste, MSc.

Why Engineers need Chemistry?
• Engineering requires applied science, and
chemistry is the center of all science.
• The more chemistry an engineer understands,
the more beneficial it is.
• In the future, global problems and issues will
require an in-depth understanding of chemistry
to have a global solution.
Topics
• Electrochemistry
• Nuclear Energy
• Fuels
• The Chemistry of Engineering Materials
• The Chemistry of the Environment
• Chemical Safety
Electrochemistry
Learning Objectives:
• Discuss the oxidation state and oxidation-reduction
• Balance Redox Equations
• Identify the anode and cathode in a voltaic cell
• Calculate cell standard reduction potentials under
standard conditions
• Determine chemical reactions that are spontaneous
under standard conditions
• Compute cell standard reduction potentials under
nonstandard conditions
• Explain the different types of batteries
• Discuss the corrosion of iron and how to prevent it
• Analyze the process of electrolysis
Learning Objectives:
• Discuss the oxidation state and oxidation-reduction
• Balance Redox Equations
• Identify the anode and cathode in a voltaic cell
• Calculate cell standard reduction potentials under
standard conditions
• Determine chemical reactions that are spontaneous
under standard conditions
• Compute cell standard reduction potentials under
nonstandard conditions
• Explain the different types of batteries
• Discuss the corrosion of iron and how to prevent it
• Analyze the process of electrolysis
Part 1. Oxidation and Reduction
• Redox Reactions
• Oxidation Numbers
• Balancing Complicated Redox Reactions
Objectives
• Differentiate between reduction, oxidation,
reducing agent, and oxidizing agent.
• Calculate the oxidation numbers of atoms and
ions.
• Apply conservation laws to balance oxidation-
reduction equations.
Oxidation and Reduction

Burning of wood

Redox reactions inside our body

Ripening of fruits
Oxidation and Reduction

Combustion of gasoline

Corrosion of metals

Reactions in batteries
Oxidation and Reduction
• Combustion reaction
1. Redox Reactions

Solid copper is immersed in a colorless silver nitrate

solution
Redox Reactions

+
𝑪𝒖(𝒔) + 𝑨𝒈 𝒂𝒒 → 𝑪𝒖𝟐+ 𝒂𝒒 + 𝑨𝒈(𝒔)
Half-reactions
+
𝑪𝒖(𝒔) + 𝑨𝒈 𝒂𝒒 → 𝑪𝒖𝟐+ 𝒂𝒒 + 𝑨𝒈(𝒔)

𝑪𝒖(𝒔) → 𝑪𝒖𝟐+ 𝒂𝒒 + 𝟐𝒆−

Note:
Each neutral copper atom acquired a 2+ charge by
losing two electrons. Whenever an atom or ion
becomes more positively charged (+charge increases)
in a chemical reaction, the process is called oxidation
Half-reactions
+
𝑪𝒖(𝒔) + 𝑨𝒈 𝒂𝒒 → 𝑪𝒖𝟐+ 𝒂𝒒 + 𝑨𝒈(𝒔)
+
𝑨𝒈 𝒂𝒒 + 𝒆− → 𝑨𝒈(𝒔)

Note:
When a silver ion acquires one electron, it loses its 1+
charge and becomes a neutral atom. Whenever an
atom or ion becomes less positively charged (positive
charge reduces) in a chemical reaction, the process is
called reduction.
Half-reactions
+
𝑪𝒖(𝒔) + 𝑨𝒈 𝒂𝒒 → 𝑪𝒖𝟐+ 𝒂𝒒 + 𝑨𝒈(𝒔)
+
𝑨𝒈 𝒂𝒒 + 𝒆− → 𝑨𝒈(𝒔)

Note:
When a silver ion acquires one electron, it loses its 1+
charge and becomes a neutral atom. Whenever an
atom or ion becomes less positively charged (positive
charge reduces) in a chemical reaction, the process is
called reduction.
Example 1.0
• Balance the following redox reaction.
+
𝑪𝒖(𝒔) + 𝑨𝒈 𝒂𝒒 → 𝑪𝒖𝟐+ 𝒂𝒒 + 𝑨𝒈(𝒔)
Reactants Charges Products

STEP 1: Analyze the Problem

1.1 Balance the equation, you must make sure that atoms and
ions are balanced in the net equation and that electrons are
balanced in the equations for the half-reactions.
Example 1.0
• Balance the following redox reaction.
+
𝑪𝒖(𝒔) + 𝑨𝒈 𝒂𝒒 → 𝑪𝒖𝟐+ 𝒂𝒒 + 𝑨𝒈(𝒔)

𝑪𝒖(𝒔) → 𝑪𝒖𝟐+ 𝒂𝒒 + 𝟐𝒆−

𝑨𝒈+ 𝒂𝒒 + 𝒆− → 𝑨𝒈(𝒔)
STEP 2: Apply a Strategy
2.1 Write equations for the half-reactions.
Example 1.0
• Balance the following redox reaction.
+
𝑪𝒖(𝒔) + 𝑨𝒈 𝒂𝒒 → 𝑪𝒖𝟐+ 𝒂𝒒 + 𝑨𝒈(𝒔)

𝑪𝒖(𝒔) → 𝑪𝒖𝟐+ 𝒂𝒒 + 𝟐𝒆−

𝟐𝑨𝒈+ 𝒂𝒒 + 𝟐𝒆− → 𝟐𝑨𝒈(𝒔)
STEP 3: Work a Solution
3.1 Balance the number of electrons in the two half reactions by
multiplying the second equation.
Example 1.0
• Balance the following redox reaction.
+
𝑪𝒖(𝒔) + 𝑨𝒈 𝒂𝒒 → 𝑪𝒖𝟐+ 𝒂𝒒 + 𝑨𝒈(𝒔)
𝑪𝒖(𝒔) → 𝑪𝒖𝟐+ 𝒂𝒒 + 𝟐𝒆−
𝟐𝑨𝒈+ 𝒂𝒒 + 𝟐𝒆− → 𝟐𝑨𝒈(𝒔)
𝟐𝑨𝒈+ (𝒂𝒒) + 𝑪𝒖(𝒔) → 𝑪𝒖𝟐+ 𝒂𝒒 + 𝟐𝑨𝒈(𝒔)

STEP 3: Work a Solution

3.2 The number of electrons in both equations is now equal. Add
the equations for the two half-reactions to give the
balanced redox equation.
Example 1.0
• Oxidized
Balance the following
Reduced
redox reaction.
+
𝑪𝒖(𝒔) + 𝑨𝒈 𝒂𝒒 → 𝑪𝒖𝟐+ 𝒂𝒒 + 𝑨𝒈(𝒔)
Reducing agent Oxidizing agent
𝑪𝒖(𝒔) → 𝑪𝒖𝟐+ 𝒂𝒒 + 𝟐𝒆−
𝟐𝑨𝒈+ 𝒂𝒒 + 𝟐𝒆− → 𝟐𝑨𝒈(𝒔)
𝟐𝑨𝒈+ (𝒂𝒒) + 𝑪𝒖(𝒔) → 𝑪𝒖𝟐+ 𝒂𝒒 + 𝟐𝑨𝒈(𝒔)

STEP 4: Verify your answer

4.1. Check to make sure the atoms or ions on both sides of the
equation are equal. You can also check by determining the
number of the net charge on both sides.
Exercise 1.0
1. Balance the following equation for a redox
reaction.
𝑪𝒓𝟑+ 𝒂𝒒 + 𝒁𝒏 𝒔 → 𝑪𝒓 𝒔 + 𝒁𝒏𝟐+ (𝒂𝒒)

2. Write a balanced equation for the reduction

of iron (III) ions to iron (II) ions by the oxidation
of nickel atoms to nickel (II) ions in aqueous
solutions.
Exercise 1.0
3. In the reaction,
𝑭𝒆𝟐+ 𝒂𝒒 + 𝑴𝒈 𝒔 ↔ 𝑭𝒆 𝒔 + 𝑴𝒈𝟐+ (𝒂𝒒)

Which reactant is the oxidizing agent? The

reducing agent?
Balance the following equation, write the net
equation.
4. 𝐹𝑒 2+ + 𝐵𝑟2 → 𝐹𝑒 3+ + 𝐵𝑟1−
5. 𝐶𝑙2 + 𝐵𝑟1− → 𝐶𝑙1− + 𝐵𝑟2
Redox Reactions
2. Oxidation
Numbers
 Oxidation Number
• Is the real or apparent charge an atom or ion
has when all bonds are assumed to be ionic.
• It is determined by pretending that electrons
are not shared in chemical bonds, instead
belong to the atom having the higher
electronegativity.
 Oxidation Number

Oxidation Numbers of Simple Ions

Ion Oxidation Number
Mg2+ +2
Al3+ +3
Cl- -1
S2- -2
 Rules for Assigning Oxidation
Numbers
Rule 1: The oxidation number for any atom in its
elementary state is zero.
Rule 2: The oxidation number fro any simple ion
is the charge on the ion.
a. The oxidation number of alkali metals
in compounds is +1 – for ex. Li+, Na+, K+
b. The oxidation number of alkaline
earth metals in compounds is +2 – for ex.
Mg2+, Ca2+, and Ba2+.
 Rules for Assigning Oxidation
Numbers
Rule 3: The oxidation number for oxygen usually
is -2. In Peroxides it is -1.
Rule 4: The oxidation number for hydrogen is +1
in all its compounds except metal
hydrides like NaH and BaH2, in which it is
-1.
Rule 5: All other oxidation numbers are assigned
so that the sum of oxidation numbers
equals the net charge on the molecule or
polyatomic ion.
Example 2.0
2.1 What is the oxidation number of each atom
in the sulfite ion, SO32- ?

1. Analyze the problem: There are two different elements, O

and S, in this ion. The problem is asking you to find the
oxidation number of each element.
2. Apply a strategy: Check to see which rules for assigning
oxidation numbers might apply. Then draw a table to
organize your data.
Example 2.0
2.1 What is the oxidation number of each atom
in the sulfite ion, SO32- ?

3. Work a Solution.
The sulfite ion is polyatomic, so the sum of the oxidation
numbers must equal the charge of the ion (Rule 5).
Since the net charge on the sulfite ion is 2-, the sum of the
oxidation numbers of sulfur and the 3 oxygen atoms must be
equal to -2.
As to Rule 3, each oxygen atom has an oxidation number of -2.
Example 2.0
2.1 What is the oxidation number of each atom
in the sulfite ion, SO32- ?

Atoms Total Oxidation

number
S 1 (?) =?
3O 3 (-2) = -6
SO3 = -2
Example 2.0
2.1 What is the oxidation number of each atom
in the sulfite ion, SO32- ?

Atoms Total Oxidation

number
S 1 (?) =4
3O 3 (-2) = -6
SO3 = -2
Exercise 2.0
1. What is the oxidation number of each atom
in the nitrate polyatomic ion, NO3- ?
2. What is the oxidation number of each
hydrogen atom in a hydrogen gas molecule,
H2 ?
3. What is the oxidation number of each
element in MgBr2?
Exercise 2.0
1. What is the oxidation number of each atom in
the nitrate polyatomic ion, NO3- ?
N=+5; O = -2
2. What is the oxidation number of each hydrogen
atom in a hydrogen gas molecule, H2 ?
H=0
3. What is the oxidation number of each element in
MgBr2?
Mg = +2; Br = -1
Exercise 3
Assign oxidation numbers on each atoms in the
following equation.
0 +1 +5 -2 +4 -2 +2 -2 +1 -2

𝑆 𝑠 + 𝐻𝑁𝑂3 𝑎𝑞 → 𝑆𝑂2 𝑔 + 𝑁𝑂 𝑔 + 𝐻2 𝑂 (𝑙)

Exercise 2.1
Balance the following redox reaction.
+4

0 +1 +5 -2 +4 -2 +2 -2 +1 -2

𝑆 𝑠 + 𝐻𝑁𝑂3 𝑎𝑞 → 𝑆𝑂2 𝑔 + 𝑁𝑂 𝑔 + 𝐻2 𝑂 (𝑙)

-3

3𝑺 𝒔 + 𝟒𝑯𝑵𝑶𝟑 𝒂𝒒 → 𝟑𝑺𝑶𝟐 𝒈 + 𝟒𝑵𝑶 𝒈 + 𝟐𝑯𝟐 𝑶 (𝒍)

Balanced equation
3. Balancing Complicated Redox
Reactions
−
𝑍𝑛 𝑠 + 𝑉𝑂3 𝑎𝑞 → 𝑍𝑛2+ 𝑎𝑞 + 𝑉𝑂2+ (𝑎𝑞)
Write the half reactions.
𝑍𝑛 𝑠 → 𝑍𝑛2+ 𝑎𝑞
−
𝑉𝑂3 𝑎𝑞 → 𝑉𝑂2+ (𝑎𝑞)
Check the oxidation numbers.
Atoms Total Oxidation Atoms Total Oxidation
Number Number
V 1(?) = +5 V 1(?) = +4
3O 3 (-2) = -6 O 1 (-2) = -2
VO3 - = -1 VO2+ = +2
3. Balancing Complicated Redox
Reactions −
𝑍𝑛 𝑠 + 𝑉𝑂3 𝑎𝑞 → 𝑍𝑛2+ 𝑎𝑞 + 𝑉𝑂2+ (𝑎𝑞)

Write the half reactions.

𝑍𝑛 𝑠 → 𝑍𝑛2+ 𝑎𝑞 + 2e −
−
𝑉𝑂3 𝑎𝑞 → 𝑉𝑂2+ (𝑎𝑞)

Balance the oxygen atoms. Add H+ ions to

combine with the excess oxygen to form water.
−
𝑉𝑂3 𝑎𝑞 + 4𝐻+ 𝑎𝑞
→ 𝑉𝑂2+ 𝑎𝑞 + 2𝐻2 𝑂 (𝑙)
3. Balancing Complicated Redox
Reactions −
𝑍𝑛 𝑠 + 𝑉𝑂3 𝑎𝑞 → 𝑍𝑛2+ 𝑎𝑞 + 𝑉𝑂2+ (𝑎𝑞)

Balance the charge.

−
𝑉𝑂3 𝑎𝑞 + 4𝐻+ 𝑎𝑞
→ 𝑉𝑂2+ 𝑎𝑞 + 2𝐻2 𝑂 (𝑙)
Net charge is 3+
Net charge is 2+

Add one electron on the left side.

3. Balancing Complicated Redox
Reactions −
𝑍𝑛 𝑠 + 𝑉𝑂3 𝑎𝑞 → 𝑍𝑛2+ 𝑎𝑞 + 𝑉𝑂2+ (𝑎𝑞)

Balance the charge.

𝑍𝑛 𝑠 → 𝑍𝑛2+ 𝑎𝑞 + 2e −
−
𝑉𝑂3 𝑎𝑞 + 4𝐻 + 𝑎𝑞 + 𝑒 − → 𝑉𝑂2+ 𝑎𝑞 + 2𝐻2 𝑂 (𝑙)
3. Balancing Complicated Redox
Reactions −
𝑍𝑛 𝑠 + 𝑉𝑂3 𝑎𝑞 → 𝑍𝑛2+ 𝑎𝑞 + 𝑉𝑂2+ (𝑎𝑞)

Balance the electrons on both half-reactions.

𝑍𝑛 𝑠 → 𝑍𝑛2+ 𝑎𝑞 + 2e −
−
(𝑉𝑂3 𝑎𝑞 + 4𝐻 + 𝑎𝑞 + 𝑒 − → 𝑉𝑂2+ 𝑎𝑞 + 2𝐻2 𝑂 (𝑙))2

𝑍𝑛 𝑠 → 𝑍𝑛2+ 𝑎𝑞 + 2e −
−
2𝑉𝑂3 𝑎𝑞 + 8𝐻 + 𝑎𝑞 + 2𝑒 − → 2𝑉𝑂2+ 𝑎𝑞 + 4𝐻2 𝑂 (𝑙)
 3. Balancing Complicated Redox
Reactions −
𝑍𝑛 𝑠 + 𝑉𝑂3 𝑎𝑞 → 𝑍𝑛2+ 𝑎𝑞 + 𝑉𝑂2+ (𝑎𝑞)

Add the two half-reactions.

𝑍𝑛 𝑠 → 𝑍𝑛2+ 𝑎𝑞 + 2e −
−
2𝑉𝑂3 𝑎𝑞 + 8𝐻 + 𝑎𝑞 + 2𝑒 − → 2𝑉𝑂2+ 𝑎𝑞 + 4𝐻2 𝑂 (𝑙)

−
𝑍𝑛 𝑠 + 2𝑉𝑂3 𝑎𝑞 + 8𝐻+ 𝑎𝑞 → 𝑍𝑛2+ 𝑎𝑞 2𝑉𝑂2+ 𝑎𝑞 + 4𝐻2 𝑂 (𝑙)
Exercise 3.0
Balance the following redox reaction.
1. 𝐹𝑒 2+
+ 𝐶𝑟2 𝑂7 2− → 𝐹𝑒 3+ + 𝐶𝑟 3+

2. ClO3- + Cl-  Cl2 + ClO2

3. Cr2O72- + C2O42-  Cr3+ + CO2

For basic solution:
− 2 −→ 2−
𝑀𝑛𝑂4 +𝑆𝑂3 𝑀𝑛𝑂2 + 𝑆𝑂4

Follow the steps/process in balancing the acidic

solution.
Write the half-reactions.
−
𝑀𝑛𝑂4 → 𝑀𝑛𝑂2
2 − 2 −
𝑆𝑂3 → 𝑆𝑂4
To neutralize an acidic solution:
− 2 −→ 2−
𝑀𝑛𝑂4 +𝑆𝑂3 𝑀𝑛𝑂2 + 𝑆𝑂4

Balance the charges, number of atoms, and

oxygen atoms. Add H+ ions.
−
𝑀𝑛𝑂4 +4𝐻+ → 𝑀𝑛𝑂2 + 2𝐻2 𝑂
− −
𝑆𝑂3 2 +𝐻2 𝑂 → 𝑆𝑂4 2 +2𝐻+
 To neutralize an acidic solution:
− 2 −→ 2−
𝑀𝑛𝑂4 +𝑆𝑂3 𝑀𝑛𝑂2 + 𝑆𝑂4

Add OH- ions on both sides of the reactions to

neutralize them.
−
𝑂𝐻 + 𝑀𝑛𝑂4 +4𝐻+ → 𝑀𝑛𝑂2 + 2𝐻2 𝑂 + 𝑂𝐻−
−
− − −
𝑂𝐻 + 𝑆𝑂3 2 +𝐻2 𝑂 → 𝑆𝑂4 2 +2𝐻+ + 𝑂𝐻−
 To neutralize an acidic solution:
− 2 −→ 2−
𝑀𝑛𝑂4 +𝑆𝑂3 𝑀𝑛𝑂2 + 𝑆𝑂4
Add OH- ions on both sides of the reactions to
neutralize them.

− −
4𝑂𝐻 +𝑀𝑛𝑂4 +4𝐻 + → 𝑀𝑛𝑂2 + 2𝐻2 𝑂 + 4𝑂𝐻 −

4H2O

−
2𝑂𝐻 + 𝑆𝑂3 2− +𝐻2 𝑂 → 𝑆𝑂4 2− +2𝐻+ + 2𝑂𝐻 −
2H2O
 To neutralize an acidic solution:
− 2 −→ 2−
𝑀𝑛𝑂4 +𝑆𝑂3 𝑀𝑛𝑂2 + 𝑆𝑂4
Add OH- ions on both sides of the reactions to
neutralize them.

−
𝑀𝑛𝑂4 +4𝐻2 𝑂 → 𝑀𝑛𝑂2 + 2𝐻2 𝑂 +
4𝑂𝐻−

−
2𝑂𝐻 + 𝑆𝑂3 2− +𝐻2 𝑂 → 𝑆𝑂4 2− +2𝐻2 𝑂
 To neutralize an acidic solution:
− 2 −→ 2−
𝑀𝑛𝑂4 +𝑆𝑂3 𝑀𝑛𝑂2 + 𝑆𝑂4
Cancel those compounds with the same atoms.

−
𝑀𝑛𝑂4 +4𝐻2 𝑂 → 𝑀𝑛𝑂2 + 2𝐻2 𝑂 +
4𝑂𝐻−

−
2𝑂𝐻 + 𝑆𝑂3 2− +𝐻2 𝑂 → 𝑆𝑂4 2− +2𝐻2 𝑂
 To neutralize an acidic solution:
− 2 −→ 2−
𝑀𝑛𝑂4 +𝑆𝑂3 𝑀𝑛𝑂2 + 𝑆𝑂4
Balance the number of electrons on both sides of
the equation.

−
𝑀𝑛𝑂4 +3𝑒 + 2𝐻2 𝑂 → 𝑀𝑛𝑂2 + 4𝑂𝐻 −

−
2𝑂𝐻 + 𝑆𝑂3 2 −→ 𝑆𝑂4 2− +𝐻2 𝑂 + 2𝑒
 To neutralize an acidic solution:
− 2 −→ 2−
𝑀𝑛𝑂4 +𝑆𝑂3 𝑀𝑛𝑂2 + 𝑆𝑂4
Balance the number of electrons on both sides of
the equation.

−
(𝑀𝑛𝑂4 +3𝑒 + 2𝐻2 𝑂 → 𝑀𝑛𝑂2 + 4𝑂𝐻 − ) 2

−
(2𝑂𝐻 +𝑆𝑂3 2 −→ 𝑆𝑂4 2− +𝐻2 𝑂 + 2𝑒) 3
 To neutralize an acidic solution:
− 2 −→ 2−
𝑀𝑛𝑂4 +𝑆𝑂3 𝑀𝑛𝑂2 + 𝑆𝑂4
Balance the number of electrons on both sides of
the equation.

−
2𝑀𝑛𝑂4 +6𝑒 + 4𝐻2 𝑂 → 2𝑀𝑛𝑂2 + 8𝑂𝐻 −

−
6𝑂𝐻 + 3𝑆𝑂3 2 −→ 3𝑆𝑂4 2− +3𝐻2 𝑂 + 6𝑒
 To neutralize an acidic solution:
− 2 −→ 2−
𝑀𝑛𝑂4 +𝑆𝑂3 𝑀𝑛𝑂2 + 𝑆𝑂4
Add the reactions.

−
2𝑀𝑛𝑂4 +6𝑒 + 4𝐻2 𝑂 → 2𝑀𝑛𝑂2 + 8𝑂𝐻 −

−
6𝑂𝐻 + 3𝑆𝑂3 2 −→ 3𝑆𝑂4 2− +3𝐻2 𝑂 + 6𝑒
− 2−
2𝑀𝑛𝑂4 +𝐻2 𝑂 + 3𝑆𝑂3 → 2𝑀𝑛𝑂2 + 3𝑆𝑂4 2− + 2𝑂𝐻 −
Exercise 4. Balance the following
redox reactions in a basic solution.
1. CN1- + MnO41-  CNO1- + MnO2

2. Br2  BrO31- + Br1-

Exercise 5. Balance the following
redox reactions.
1. Methanol fuel cells use the following
reaction. How many electrons are transferred
in this redox reaction as written?

2CH3OH + 3O2 → 2CO2 + 3H2O

Exercise 5. Balance the following
redox reactions.
2. Cobalt is one of many metals that can be
oxidized by nitric acid.
•Balance the following reaction.
•How many electrons are transferred, and
what would be the coefficient for H2O in
the balanced reaction?

Co + NO3 – + H+ → NO + H2O + Co2+

• Prepare for a Long Quiz next meeting
(Thursday, August 22, 2019)
Coverage:
1. Identifying reduction and oxidation, reducing
and oxidizing agent.
2. Assigning oxidation numbers.
3. Balancing redox reactions in acid and basic
solutions.