Chemical Changes and Structure - Oxidising and Reducing Agents

Question 1

What is reduction and what is a reducing agent?

Answer 1

Reduction is a gain of electrons. A reducing agent gives away electrons.

Question 2

What is oxidation and what is an oxidising agent?

Answer 2

Oxidation is a loss of electrons. An oxidising agent accepts electrons.

Question 3

Do metals tend to act as oxidising or reducing agents?

Answer 3

Metals tend to act as reducing agents.

Question 4

Give three everyday uses of oxidising agents.

Answer 4

• Bleach
• Toothpaste.
• Antiseptics (kills bacteria, fungi and viruses)

Question 5

Categorise CO and Cr₂O₇²⁻ into reducing and oxidising agents.

Answer 5

CO is a powerful reducing agent and Cr₂O₇²⁻ is a powerful oxidising agent.