Understanding 'n' Factor
The 'n' factor is a crucial concept in chemistry, particularly in redox reactions and stoichiometry. It helps determine the number of moles of electrons transferred in a reaction.
Definition of 'n' Factor
- The 'n' factor of a substance indicates the number of moles of electrons gained or lost per mole of the substance during a reaction.
- It varies depending on the type of reaction—oxidation or reduction.
How to Calculate 'n' Factor
1. Identify the Reaction:
- Determine whether the reaction is a redox process (oxidation-reduction).
2. Assign Oxidation States:
- Calculate the oxidation states of the elements involved in the reaction to find out how many electrons are lost or gained.
3. Count Electrons:
- For oxidation: Count the total number of electrons lost.
- For reduction: Count the total number of electrons gained.
4. Determine 'n' Factor:
- The 'n' factor is the absolute value of the total electrons transferred divided by the stoichiometric coefficient of the substance.
Examples
- For Oxidation:
- In the reaction of zinc with copper ions, zinc loses 2 electrons (n factor = 2).
- For Reduction:
- In the reaction of copper ions gaining electrons to form copper metal, the n factor is also 2.
Importance of 'n' Factor
- It is essential for balancing redox reactions.
- Helps in calculating equivalent weights and determining the concentration of solutions.
Understanding and calculating the 'n' factor is vital for mastering concepts in chemistry, particularly for competitive exams like NEET.