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Question

Can someone explain to me what n factor/valency factor is? With some examples

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Solution

n factor or valency factor

n factor or valency factor is a term used in redox reactions. It is used to describe the number of electrons gained or lost per atom during a reaction.

  • Suppose if we take the displacement reaction between zinc and copper sulphate solution,

Zn(s)+CuSO4(aq)ZnSO4(aq)+Cu(s)
Here Zn loses two electrons to become Zn+2 . So the n factor for zinc is 2

  • Similarly, If we take the reaction between potassium chromate and Iron sulphate.

6FeSO4+K2Cr2O7+7H2SO43Fe2(SO4)3+K2SO4+Cr2(SO4)3+7H2O

The Fe+2 is oxidized to Fe+3 by losing one electron. So the n factor for FeSO4 is 1

  • ​The n factor for an organic acid such as an oxalic acid, if we consider the following reaction of dissociation of oxalic acid.

COOHCOOH2CO2+2H++2e

In oxalic acid, the number of replaceable hydrogen ions is 2, hence the n factor is 2.


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