Oxidation and Reduction

Question 1

What is Oxidation?

Answer 1

• Gain of Oxygen / Electronegative species
• Loss of Hydrogen / Electropositive species
• Loss of Electron

Question 2

What is Reduction?

Answer 2

• Addition of Hydrogen / Electropositive species
• Removal of Oxygen / Electronegative species
• Gain of Electron

Question 3

What is redox reaction?

Answer 3

The simultaneous oxidation and reduction in a reaction is called redox reaction.

Question 4

What is oxidizing agent?

Answer 4

An oxidizing agent is a substance that causes another substance to lose electrons (be oxidized) while it gains electrons itself (gets reduced).
Non-metals are oxidizing agents.

Question 5

What is reducing agent?

Answer 5

A reducing agent is a substance that causes another substance to gain electrons (be reduced) while it loses electrons itself (gets oxidized).
Metals are reducing agents.

Question 6

What is oxidation number?

Answer 6

The charge that an atom of the element has in its ions or appear to have when in a combined state with other atoms.

Question 7

In oxidation and reduction the electrons are add on which side?

Answer 7

Oxidation - Right side
Reduction - Left side

Question 8

Key differences between valency and oxidation number :

Answer 8

Oxidation Number: Represents the theoretical charge of an atom in a compound, indicating its ability to gain, lose, or share electrons (e.g., +2, -1).
Valency: Indicates the maximum number of bonds an atom can form based on its ability to donate, accept, or share electrons (e.g., carbon has a valency of 4).

Valency: Generally remains constant for an element across different compounds (e.g., carbon always has a valency of 4).
Oxidation Number: Can vary depending on the specific compound and electron distribution