Chapter 16 Flashcards
What are redox reactions?
A reaction that involves both oxidation and reduction.
What do acid-base reactions involve?
The transfer of protons.
What are 8 examples that include redox reactions?
- The respiration reaction that is the source of energy in almost all living things
- Photosynthesis in green plants
- Burning fossil fuels to propel our cars
- Combustion of coal in electricity power stations
- Use of chemicals such as chlorine to disinfect swimming pools
- Manufacture and use of explosives
- Use of electrolysis to produce many chemicals
- Production and use of fertilisers
What is oxidation defined as?
The loss of electrons or the gain of oxygen.
What is reduction defined as?
The gain of electrons or the loss of oxygen.
What is a half equation?
An equation involving either an oxidation or a reduction process. The electrons lost or gained in this process are shown in the equation.
Why must reduction and oxidation occur simultaneously?
Because if an atom is to lose electrons there must be another atom that can gain electrons.
What are two things to remember in both half and overall equations for redox?
- The number of atoms of each element present in the products is equal to the number present in the reactants. Atoms are conserved in all chemical reactions.
- The total charge on the product side of the equation is equal to the total charge on the reactant side of the equation. Charge is conserved in chemical reactions.
What doesnt the overall equation in redox show?
The electrons transferred. The electrons lost in the oxidation reaction are gained in the reduction reaction.
What is uaually written for redox equations?
Two equations then they are added together to get an overall equation.
What is an oxidant?
An oxidising agent that is a species that causes another to be oxidised. It itself is reduced.
What is a reductant?
A reducing agent that is a species that causes another to be reduced. It itself is oxidised.
What are oxidation numbers?
Numbers that are assigned to elements to determine if a reaction can be classified as a redox reaction. Although they have no physical meaning, the numbers are assigned on the basis of set of rules that assumes that all covalent bond, except those between like atoms, are polar.
