3.1.7 Redox Reactions

Question 1

What is oxidation?

Answer 1

Loss of electrons

Question 2

What is reduction?

Answer 2

Gain in electrons

Question 3

What is an oxidising agent?

Answer 3

An electron acceptor (is reduced)

Question 4

What is a reducing agent?

Answer 4

An electron donor (is oxidised)

Question 5

How do you combine half-equations?

Answer 5

Balance the electrons in each equation and combine reactant and product sides from both to form one equation

Question 6

What is the oxidation state of an atom in an element?

Answer 6

Zero

Question 7

What is the oxidation state of a simple ion?

Answer 7

Its charge

Question 8

What is the overall oxidation state of a compound?

Answer 8

Zero

Question 9

What is the overall oxidation state of a polyatomic ion?

Answer 9

Its charge

Question 10

What is the oxidation state of fluorine in a compound?

Answer 10

Always -1

Question 11

What is the oxidation state of oxygen in a compound? (2)

Answer 11

Usually -2

Except in peroxides and F2O

Question 12

What is the oxidation state of chlorine in a compound? (2)

Answer 12

Usually -1

Except when combined with fluorine or oxygen

Question 13

What is the oxidation state of hydrogen in a compound? (2)

Answer 13

Usually +1

-1 when bonded with group 1 metal ion