3.4 Redox Reactions Flashcards
What are redox reactions?
Reactions in which oxidation and reduction both take place at the same time.
Why do the loss and gain of electrons usually happen at the same time?
If a substance loses electrons, then another substance has to gain the electrons.
Describe how magnesium and a dilute acid can undergo a redox reaction
The magnesium atoms will lose 2 electrons and be oxidised, forming magnesium 2+ ions, whilst the hydrogen ions will gain those electrons and thus, be reduced to neutral hydrogen ions in the form of hydrogen gas.
Describe how Calcium and Iron can take place in a displacement reaction (redox reaction aswell)
Calcium is more reactive than Iron. If we add calcium to a solution of iron sulfate, the calcium would displace the iron to form calcium sulfate, while the iron would precipitate out as a solid.
What are ‘spectator ions’?
Ions that stay the same on the reactant and product side, they don’t change or take place in the reaction by exchanging electrons. We get rid of them from our equation.
