3.1.7 - Oxidation, Reduction and Redox

Question 1

What is oxidation?

Answer 1

The process of electron loss / increase in oxidation number

Question 2

What is reduction?

Answer 2

The process of electron gain / decrease in oxidation number

Question 3

Define oxidation state

Answer 3

The number of electrons lost or gained by an atomic in a compound compared to the uncombined atom.

Question 4

Define oxidising agent

Answer 4

A reagent that oxidises (removes electrons from) another species.

It itself gains electrons.

Question 5

Define reducing agent

Answer 5

The species that reduces another element.

(electron donors)

It itself is oxidised.

Question 6

What are the steps for balancing redox in acidic conditions?

Answer 6

1. Balance Oxygen using H20
2. Balance Hydrogen using H+
3. Balance Charge

Question 7

How do you balance equations using oxidation states?

Answer 7

1. Write oxidation states of individual elements above the compound
2. Work out what has been oxidised/reduced
3. Write out half equations, then combine them
4. Balance the remaining elements