3 - redox 1 Flashcards
redox reaction
a reaction that involves both reduction and oxidation
oxidation
the loss of electrons
reduction
the gain of electrons
oxidising agent
a species (atom, molecule or ion) that oxidises another species by removing one or more electrons. when an oxidising agent reacts it gains electrons and is, therefore, reduced.
reducing agent
a species that reduces another species by adding one or more electrons. when a reducing agent reacts it loses electrons and is, therefore, oxidised.
oxidation number
the charge that an ion has or the charge that it would have if the species were fully ionic
oxidation number increases when…
an element is oxidised
oxidation number decreases when…
an element is reduced
disproportionation
the simultaneous oxidation and reduction of an element in a single reaction