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 oxidation states.

Front

What does oxidation mean in a redox reaction?

Back

Oxidation is the process in which an atom, ion, or molecule loses electrons, resulting in an increase in oxidation state.

Front

What does reduction mean in a redox reaction?

Back

Reduction is the process in which an atom, ion, or molecule gains electrons, resulting in a decrease in oxidation state.

Front

What is the oxidation number of an element?

Back

The oxidation number is a value assigned to an element in a compound that represents the number of electrons lost or gained by that element.

Front

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

Back

To determine the oxidation number, follow rules such as the oxidation number of an element in its elemental form is 0, and the sum of oxidation numbers in a neutral compound is 0.

Front

What is the oxidation number of oxygen in most compounds?

Back

The oxidation number of oxygen is usually -2 in most compounds, except in peroxides where it is -1.

Front

What is the oxidation number of hydrogen in most compounds?

Back

The oxidation number of hydrogen is usually +1 when bonded to nonmetals and -1 when bonded to metals.

Front

Identify the oxidizing agent in a redox reaction.

Back

The oxidizing agent is the substance that gains electrons and is reduced in the reaction.

Front

Identify the reducing agent in a redox reaction.

Back

The reducing agent is the substance that loses electrons and is oxidized in the reaction.

Front

What is the role of electrons in redox reactions?

Back

Electrons are transferred from the reducing agent to the oxidizing agent, facilitating the oxidation and reduction processes.