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 is oxidation?

Back

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

Front

What is reduction?

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 in its elemental form?

Back

The oxidation number of an element in its elemental form is always 0.

Front

What is the oxidation number of hydrogen in most compounds?

Back

The oxidation number of hydrogen in most compounds is +1.

Front

What is the oxidation number of oxygen in most compounds?

Back

The oxidation number of oxygen in most compounds is -2.

Front

What happens to the oxidation number of an element during oxidation?

Back

During oxidation, the oxidation number of an element increases.

Front

What happens to the oxidation number of an element during reduction?

Back

During reduction, the oxidation number of an element decreases.

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.