CBSE Class 11 Chemistry Chapter-7 Important Questions - Free PDF Download
FAQs on Important Questions for CBSE Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 7 - Redox Reactions
1. What are the most important topics to study in Redox Reactions for Class 11 exams as per CBSE 2025–26?
The most important topics in the Redox Reactions chapter include:
- Definitions of oxidation, reduction, and redox reactions
- Oxidation number and rules for assigning it
- Types of redox reactions (combination, decomposition, displacement, disproportionation)
- Balancing redox equations (oxidation number and half-reaction method)
- Electrochemical cells and electrode processes
- Applications of redox reactions in titrations
- Oxidizing and reducing agents
- Concept of redox couples and electrode potential
2. How do you identify the oxidizing and reducing agents in a redox reaction?
To identify the oxidizing and reducing agents in a redox reaction:
- The oxidizing agent is the substance that gains electrons and gets reduced.
- The reducing agent is the substance that loses electrons and gets oxidized.
- Compare oxidation numbers: the species whose oxidation number increases is the reducing agent, while the one whose oxidation number decreases is the oxidizing agent.
3. Can you explain why all decomposition reactions are not redox reactions? (Frequently Asked HOTS)
Not all decomposition reactions are redox reactions because, in a true redox process, there must be a change in oxidation state of elements. If both products of a decomposition are compounds and no element undergoes a change in oxidation state, it is not considered a redox reaction. For example, thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate produces CaO and CO2 with no change in oxidation numbers.
4. What steps should be followed to balance a redox reaction using the oxidation number method? (Exam-expected 5-mark pattern)
The main steps for balancing a redox reaction by the oxidation number method are:
- Assign oxidation numbers to all atoms
- Identify atoms undergoing oxidation and reduction
- Calculate the increase and decrease in oxidation numbers
- Equalize the total increase and decrease by multiplying with suitable coefficients
- Balance the remaining atoms (usually oxygen and hydrogen) by adding H2O, H+, or OH- as needed
- Confirm mass and charge are balanced in the final equation
5. How are competitive electron transfer reactions relevant in the context of CBSE Class 11 Redox Reactions?
Competitive electron transfer reactions explain which substance gets oxidized or reduced in a chemical reaction by comparing their tendencies to gain or lose electrons. This is especially useful when predicting products in displacement and redox reactions involving metals and non-metals, as those with higher reduction potentials will be reduced, and those with lower will be oxidized.
6. Why is fluorine considered the strongest oxidizing agent in the periodic table?
Fluorine is the strongest oxidizing agent due to its high electronegativity and small atomic size, allowing it to easily gain electrons and be readily reduced. This makes F2 highly effective at oxidizing other elements.
7. What is a disproportionation reaction? Give one example from the CBSE Class 11 syllabus.
A disproportionation reaction is a specific type of redox reaction in which one element in a single oxidation state is simultaneously oxidized and reduced. Example: 2H2O2 → 2H2O + O2. Here, oxygen in H2O2 is both oxidized to O2 and reduced to H2O.
8. What concept traps commonly cause students to lose marks in redox balancing questions?
Common mistakes in redox balancing include:
- Incorrect assignment of oxidation numbers, especially for polyatomic ions or complex compounds
- Not equalizing electron loss and gain properly
- Forgetting to balance charges, especially in ionic equations
- Missing addition of water, hydrogen ions, or hydroxide ions when balancing oxygen and hydrogen in acidic or basic media
9. Which reaction occurs at the cathode in a galvanic cell as per CBSE 2025–26?
Reduction always occurs at the cathode in a galvanic cell. The cathode attracts cations and is the site where electrons are gained by the species being reduced.
10. How can you distinguish between acidic, basic, and neutral medium in a redox reaction question?
Medium is identified by:
- Acidic: presence of H+ (protons) or mention of acids
- Basic: presence of OH- (hydroxide ions) or bases
- Neutral: neither H+ nor OH- specified
11. (FUQ) Why is it important to understand the limitations of oxidation number concepts in redox reactions?
Understanding the limitations is essential because oxidation numbers do not always reflect actual charge, especially in covalently bonded molecules. This helps avoid misinterpretation of electron transfer, as oxidation numbers are a bookkeeping tool and sometimes do not represent real electron shifts. Recognizing these cases enables students to apply correct judgment in reaction analysis, as per the CBSE Class 11 syllabus.
12. (FUQ) In CBSE Class 11 exams, how can mastering redox couple concepts improve your answers in electrochemistry-based questions?
Mastery of redox couple concepts helps:
- Correctly identify oxidized and reduced species in cell reactions
- Accurately write cell notations (e.g., Zn/Zn2+//Cu2+/Cu)
- Calculate electrode potentials and EMF using standard values
- Clearly differentiate between anode and cathode roles
13. (FUQ) What are the common misconceptions students have regarding redox titrations and their application?
Common misconceptions include:
- Assuming same indicators for all titrations (different systems require different indicators)
- Confusing endpoint and equivalence point
- Not accounting properly for redox stoichiometry, resulting in calculation errors
- Overlooking the role of medium (acidic/basic) in reaction completeness
14. (FUQ) How do redox processes serve as the basis for modern batteries and fuel cells, as addressed in CBSE?
Redox processes are fundamental to electrochemical cells (batteries and fuel cells) as they involve electron transfer between chemical species, producing electrical energy. Understanding the underlying redox chemistry allows students to explain practical applications, such as the working of galvanic cells and the principles behind rechargeable batteries included in the Class 11 curriculum.











