Which of the following compounds contains the lead(II) ion?
[tex]$Pb _2 O$[/tex]
PbO
[tex]$PbCl _4$[/tex]
[tex]$Pb _2 S$[/tex]
Answer (2)
Determine the oxidation state of lead in each compound.
In P b 2 O , the oxidation state of Pb is +1.
In P b O , the oxidation state of Pb is +2.
Therefore, the compound containing the lead(II) ion is P b O .
Explanation
Understanding the Problem We are given four chemical compounds: P b 2 O , P b O , P b C l 4 , and P b 2 S . We need to identify which compound contains the lead(II) ion, which is P b 2 + .
Finding Oxidation States To determine which compound contains the lead(II) ion, we need to find the oxidation state of lead in each compound.
Oxidation State of Lead in Pb2O For P b 2 O , let the oxidation state of Pb be x. Since oxygen has an oxidation state of -2, we have the equation: 2 x + ( − 2 ) = 0 Solving for x: 2 x = 2 x = + 1 Thus, the oxidation state of lead in P b 2 O is +1, so it contains P b + .
Oxidation State of Lead in PbO For P b O , let the oxidation state of Pb be x. Since oxygen has an oxidation state of -2, we have the equation: x + ( − 2 ) = 0 Solving for x: x = + 2 Thus, the oxidation state of lead in P b O is +2, so it contains P b 2 + .
Oxidation State of Lead in PbCl4 For P b C l 4 , let the oxidation state of Pb be x. Since chlorine has an oxidation state of -1, we have the equation: x + 4 ( − 1 ) = 0 Solving for x: x = + 4 Thus, the oxidation state of lead in P b C l 4 is +4, so it contains P b 4 + .
Oxidation State of Lead in Pb2S For P b 2 S , let the oxidation state of Pb be x. Since sulfur has an oxidation state of -2, we have the equation: 2 x + ( − 2 ) = 0 Solving for x: 2 x = 2 x = + 1 Thus, the oxidation state of lead in P b 2 S is +1, so it contains P b + .
Final Answer The compound containing P b 2 + is P b O .
Examples
Understanding oxidation states is crucial in various fields, such as environmental science, where it helps in predicting the behavior of heavy metals in soil and water. For example, knowing that lead can exist as P b 2 + or P b 4 + helps in assessing its toxicity and mobility in the environment. This knowledge is also vital in designing effective remediation strategies for lead-contaminated sites, ensuring safer living conditions.
The compound containing the lead(II) ion is PbO, as it has an oxidation state of +2 for lead. The other compounds either contain lead with a +1 or +4 oxidation state. Therefore, PbO is the correct answer.
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