Balancing Redox Reaction

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

Define oxidation in the context of redox reactions.

Back

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

Front

Define reduction in the context of redox reactions.

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 half-reaction method?

Back

The half-reaction method is a technique used to balance redox reactions by separating the oxidation and reduction processes into two half-reactions.

Front

How do you balance redox reactions in acidic solutions?

Back

In acidic solutions, balance redox reactions by adding H⁺ ions and water molecules as needed, along with electrons to balance charge.

Front

What is the role of electrons in redox reactions?

Back

Electrons are transferred between reactants in redox reactions, facilitating the oxidation of one species and the reduction of another.

Front

What is the significance of the oxidation state?

Back

The oxidation state indicates the degree of oxidation of an atom in a compound, helping to identify how many electrons are lost or gained during a reaction.

Front

What is a reduction half-reaction?

Back

A reduction half-reaction shows the gain of electrons by a species, typically written in the form: Species + e^- → Reduced form.

Front

What is an oxidation half-reaction?

Back

An oxidation half-reaction shows the loss of electrons by a species, typically written in the form: Oxidized form → Species + e^-.

Front

How do you identify the oxidizing agent in a redox reaction?

Back

The oxidizing agent is the species that is reduced (gains electrons) and causes another species to be oxidized.