[raafiki]

So on my homework, it asked what the oxidation state Sn and Fe after they each reach equilibrium in an excess of the following, and then some solutions were listed.

One of the solutions was 1.0 M CuSO4. I thought the oxidation state of Sn would be 2+ to cancel out with SO4, but it was actually 4+, can some one explain why this is? Also, I thought the oxidation for Fe would be 2+ and I was correct about that, but I didnt understand how Fe would have a 2+ oxidation state while Sn would have an oxidation state of 4+...

[Hunter2]

Well tin has Sn²⁺ and also Sn⁴⁺. I tepends which reaction takes place. The same with iron Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺.

[raafiki]

Well tin has Sn²⁺ and also Sn⁴⁺. I tepends which reaction takes place. The same with iron Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺.

I know that Sn can be 2+ or 4+ but why is it 4+ in this case? its 0 when you mix it with 1.0 M CoSO4 :S

[Borek]

My bet is that you are expected to compare standard redox potentials.