What is the n factor or valency factor of ozone during the change 2O3 to 3O2

A. 2

B. 4

C. 6

D. 8

To determine the n factor, or valency factor, of ozone (O3) during the reaction where 2O3 converts to 3O2, we need to analyze the changes in oxidation states and the number of moles involved in the reaction.

Understanding the Reaction

The balanced chemical equation for the conversion of ozone to oxygen is:

• 2 O3 → 3 O2

In this reaction, two moles of ozone (O3) decompose to form three moles of molecular oxygen (O2).

Oxidation States

Next, let's look at the oxidation states of the elements involved:

• In ozone (O3), the oxidation state of oxygen is -2 for each oxygen atom.
• In molecular oxygen (O2), the oxidation state is 0.

When ozone decomposes into oxygen, each oxygen atom in ozone goes from an oxidation state of -2 to 0. This change indicates that each oxygen atom undergoes an increase in oxidation state by 2 units.

Calculating the Change in Electrons

Now, let's calculate the total change in oxidation states for the reaction:

• In 2 moles of O3, there are 6 oxygen atoms (2 moles x 3 atoms/mole).
• Each of these 6 oxygen atoms changes from -2 to 0, which is a change of +2 for each atom.
• Thus, the total change in oxidation state for 6 oxygen atoms is 6 x 2 = 12.

Determining the n Factor

The n factor is defined as the total change in oxidation state per mole of the substance undergoing the change. Since we started with 2 moles of O3, we can calculate the n factor as follows:

• Total change in oxidation state = 12
• Number of moles of O3 = 2
• n factor = Total change in oxidation state / Number of moles = 12 / 2 = 6

Final Answer

Therefore, the n factor or valency factor of ozone during the conversion of 2O3 to 3O2 is 6. The correct answer is C. 6.