7. Oxidising and Reducing agents Flashcards
What is oxidation?
Loss of electrons
Gain of oxygen
Loss of hydrogen
Increase of O:H ratio
Decrease of H:O ration
On which side will electrons be shown in an oxidation half equation reaction?
Right hand side
What is reduction?
The gain of electrons
Loss of oxygen
Gain of hydrogen
Decrease in O:H ratio
Increase in H:O ratio
On which side will electrons be shown in a reduction half equation?
Left hand side
What is a Reducing Agent?
A substance that donates electrons and is oxidised
What is a Oxidising Agent?
A substance that accepts electrons and is reduced
What type of elements tend to act as Oxidising Agents?
Elements with high electronegativities tend to gain electrons.
Group 7 halogens such as F Cl and Br
What type of elements tend to act as Reducing Agents?
Elements with low electronegativities tend to lose electrons.
Group 1 metals such as Li Na and K
Name 3 common molecules or group ions that act as strong oxising agents
Hydrogen peroxide
Acidified Dichromate
Acidified Permanganate
Why do some oxidising agents like dichromate and permanaganate have to be acidified?
As a source of H+ (aq) ions
Name one common molecule that acts as a reducing agent
Carbon monoxide
What are some common uses of oxidising agents?
Kill funghi and bacteria
Inactivate viruses
Breaking down colours (bleaching hair and clothes)
