Chem Unit 2 (Redox Reactions) Flashcards
Sum on both sides must be…
… equal!
Oxidising agents…
gain electrons
so are themselves reduced
Reducing agents
lose electrons
so are themselves oxidised
What are the rules for half-equations?
1) Work out oxidation states
2) Work out what is oxidising agent and therefore reducing agent.
3) Balance any elements that aren’t O or H
4) Add H20’s for oxygen-deficient side and add H+ for hydrogen-deficient side.
5) Check charges and add correct number of electrons to oxidising side (side that has gained electrons)
oxygen never changes…
….from 2- so all the other elements are the ones that change and become reducing or oxidising agents
2OH- means that…
…. it’s 2- for that molecule so you have to times the balanced equation by the overall charge
What is the rule about the added electrons?
added electrons always go on the oxidising agent (that has gained electrons)
What do you do if there is a small number next to the oxidising or reducing agent next to oxygen (e.g. Cr2 07)
You divide by that small number once you have worked out the oxidation number the element should have.
4H+ ion instead of 2H+ ions means?
It adds a +4 charge instead of a 2+ charge to whatever side it is on.
0 is always 2- except for in peroxides when its -1 and flurodes when its.? 0F2
2+
Hydroghen is always 1+ except for in metal hydrides like calcium hydride, magnesium hydride when its..? H202
1-