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 the oxidation of one and the reduction of another.

Front

What does oxidation mean in a redox reaction?

Back

Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons by a substance, leading to an increase in its oxidation state.

Front

What does reduction mean in a redox reaction?

Back

Reduction refers to the gain of electrons by a substance, leading to a decrease in its oxidation state.

Front

In the reaction 4Fe + 3O2 -> 2Fe2O3, which substance is oxidized?

Back

Iron (Fe) is oxidized.

Front

In the reaction 2Ca + O2 -> 2CaO, what happens to calcium?

Back

Calcium is oxidized.

Front

What is the role of oxygen in most redox reactions?

Back

Oxygen often acts as an oxidizing agent, accepting electrons from other substances.

Front

What is an oxidizing agent?

Back

An oxidizing agent is a substance that causes oxidation by accepting electrons from another substance.

Front

What is a reducing agent?

Back

A reducing agent is a substance that causes reduction by donating electrons to another substance.

Front

How do you identify the oxidized substance in a reaction?

Back

The oxidized substance is the one that loses electrons and increases its oxidation state.

Front

How do you identify the reduced substance in a reaction?

Back

The reduced substance is the one that gains electrons and decreases its oxidation state.