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🧪 Chemistry  ·  Redox Reactions  ·  NEET & JEE

What happens to the oxidising power of KMnO<sub>4</sub> as the pH of the medium decreases (more acidic)?

Answer: Increases.

  • A Decreases
  • B Remains unchanged
  • C Increases
  • D Becomes zero

Correct answer: C. Increases

Explanation: The reduction potential of the MnO₄⁻/Mn²⁺ couple increases with acidity (Nernst equation; H⁺ is a reactant). More acidic conditions make KMnO₄ a stronger oxidising agent.

Electron Transfer: Zn + Cu²⁺ → Zn²⁺ + CuZnloses 2e⁻OXIDISED (Zn → Zn²⁺)2e⁻Cu²⁺gains 2e⁻REDUCED (Cu²⁺ → Cu)Zn = reducing agentCu²⁺ = oxidising agent

Electron transfer in a redox reaction: zinc loses electrons (oxidised, acts as reducing agent) and copper(II) ions gain those same electrons (reduced, acts as oxidising agent).

Concept context

Master electron transfer in chemistry: assign oxidation states, balance half-reactions, identify oxidising and reducing agents, and connect redox to everyday reactions.

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