AP Oxidation-Reduction Concepts

Question 1

Oxidation

Answer 1

loses electrons (becomes more positive)

Question 2

Reduction

Answer 2

gains electrons (becomes more negative)

Question 3

How to balance redox reaction in base

Answer 3

1) break reaction into half reactions
2) balance oxygens w/ 2OH- for every one O atom
3) balance hydrogen w/ water
4) balance all other atoms and add electrons to balance charge
5) multiply half reactions to balance electrons and simplify all species

Question 4

How to balance redox reaction in acid

Answer 4

1) break reaction into half reactions
2) balance oxygen atoms w/ water
3) balance hydrogen with H+ atoms
4) balance all other atoms and add electrons to balance charge
5) multiply half reactions to balance electrons and simplify all species