Oxidation and Reduction

Front

What is oxidation?

Back

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

Front

What is reduction?

Back

Reduction is the process in which an atom, ion, or molecule gains electrons, resulting in a decrease in oxidation state.

Front

What is a redox reaction?

Back

A redox reaction is a chemical reaction that involves the transfer of electrons between two species, where one is oxidized and the other is reduced.

Front

What does it mean for an element to be oxidized?

Back

An element is oxidized when it loses electrons and its oxidation state increases.

Front

What does it mean for an element to be reduced?

Back

An element is reduced when it gains electrons and its oxidation state decreases.

Front

What is the role of an oxidizing agent?

Back

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

Front

What is the role of a reducing agent?

Back

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

Front

How can you identify oxidation in a reaction?

Back

Oxidation can be identified by an increase in the oxidation number of an element in a reaction.

Front

How can you identify reduction in a reaction?

Back

Reduction can be identified by a decrease in the oxidation number of an element in a reaction.

Front

What is the oxidation state of oxygen in most compounds?

Back

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