Oxidation and Reduction Vocabulary

Front

Oxidation

Back

Processes in which the atoms or ions of an element experience an increase in oxidation state

Front

Oxidized

Back

A species whose oxidation number increases

Front

Reduction

Back

The gain of electrons. Also, when there is a decrease in oxidation number of an element.

Front

Reduced

Back

A species that undergoes a decrease in oxidation state

Front

Oxidation Number

Back

The hypothetical charge of an atom if all of its bonds to other atoms are fully ionic

Front

Half Equations

Back

Written separate equations for the oxidation and reduction processes. Electrons are added on one side of each equation to balance the charges.

Front

Oxidizing Agent

Back

The reactant that accepts electrons. Brings about oxidation of the other reactant.

Front

Reducing Agent

Back

The reactant that supplies electrons. Brings about reduction and becomes oxidized.

Front

Displacement

Back

When one metal is able to reduce the ions of another metal in solution

Front

Activity Series

Back

A series of chemical elements (usually metals and hydrogen) arranged in order of their tendency to lose electrons, (Table J)