Redox reactions

Front

What is a redox reaction?

Back

A redox reaction is a chemical reaction that involves the transfer of electrons between two species, resulting in changes in their oxidation states.

Front

What does oxidation mean in a redox reaction?

Back

Oxidation is the process in which a substance loses electrons, resulting in an increase in its oxidation state.

Front

What does reduction mean in a redox reaction?

Back

Reduction is the process in which a substance gains electrons, resulting in a decrease in its oxidation state.

Front

What is the oxidation number of an element?

Back

The oxidation number is a value that represents the total number of electrons an atom either gains or loses when it forms a compound.

Front

In the reaction 4Fe + 3O2 -> 2Fe2O3, which substance is oxidized?

Back

Iron (Fe) is oxidized.

Front

If copper is reduced in a reaction, what happens to its number of electrons?

Back

The number of electrons increases.

Front

In the reaction 2Ca + O2 -> 2CaO, what happens to calcium?

Back

Calcium is oxidized.

Front

What is the common oxidation state of oxygen in compounds?

Back

The common oxidation state of oxygen is -2.

Front

What is the role of a reducing agent in a redox reaction?

Back

A reducing agent donates electrons to another substance, causing that substance to be reduced.

Front

What is the role of an oxidizing agent in a redox reaction?

Back

An oxidizing agent accepts electrons from another substance, causing that substance to be oxidized.