Oxidation and reduction

Front

What is oxidation?

Back

Oxidation is the loss of electrons during a chemical reaction.

Front

What is reduction?

Back

Reduction is the gain of electrons during a chemical reaction.

Front

What does an increase in oxidation number indicate?

Back

An increase in oxidation number indicates that the element has been oxidized.

Front

What does a decrease in oxidation number indicate?

Back

A decrease in oxidation number indicates that the element has been reduced.

Front

Identify the oxidizing agent in a reaction.

Back

The oxidizing agent is the species that gains electrons and is reduced.

Front

Identify the reducing agent in a reaction.

Back

The reducing agent is the species that loses electrons and is oxidized.

Front

What is a half-reaction?

Back

A half-reaction is an equation that shows either the oxidation or reduction process separately.

Front

What is the role of electrons in oxidation-reduction reactions?

Back

Electrons are transferred between species, with one losing electrons (oxidation) and the other gaining electrons (reduction).

Front

What is the oxidation state of an element in its elemental form?

Back

The oxidation state of an element in its elemental form is zero.

Front

How do you determine the oxidation state of an element in a compound?

Back

The oxidation state can be determined by following specific rules, such as the oxidation state of oxygen is usually -2.