M2 C5 Flashcards
What is oxidation?
Loss of electrons / increase in oxidation number.
Oxidation is a key concept in redox reactions.
Define oxidation number.
A number that represents the number of electrons lost or gained by an atom of an element.
A positive oxidation number indicates the loss of electrons.
What do Roman numerals indicate in terms of oxidation states?
They are used to indicate the oxidation number of elements that may have different oxidation states.
Example: iron(II) and iron(III).
What is a redox reaction?
A reaction in which one element is oxidised and another is reduced.
Redox reactions are fundamental in various chemical processes.
What is reduction?
Gain of electrons / decrease in oxidation number.
Reduction is the opposite of oxidation.