Redox Reactions

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What is a redox reaction?

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A redox reaction, or reduction-oxidation reaction, is a chemical reaction in which the oxidation states of one or more substances are changed due to the transfer of electrons.

Front

What does reduction mean in a redox reaction?

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

Front

What does oxidation mean in a redox reaction?

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

Front

What is an oxidizing agent?

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An oxidizing agent is a substance that accepts electrons from another substance, causing that substance to be oxidized.

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What is a reducing agent?

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A reducing agent is a substance that donates electrons to another substance, causing that substance to be reduced.

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What is the oxidation number?

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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

What is the relationship between combustion reactions and redox reactions?

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Combustion reactions are always redox reactions because they involve the transfer of electrons between reactants.

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What is an example of a redox reaction?

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The reaction of hydrogen and oxygen to form water: 2H2 + O2 -> 2H2O is a redox reaction.

Front

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

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During oxidation, the oxidation number of an element increases.

Front

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

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During reduction, the oxidation number of an element decreases.