Oxidation and Reduction Flashcards
What does “redox” stand for?
Redox is short for reduction - oxidation reactions
What is an oxidising agent?
An oxidising agent is a substance that adds oxygen to another substance
What is a reducing agent?
A reducing agent is a substance that removes oxygen from another substance (eg. hydrogen)
How was reduction historically linked to hydrogen?
Reduction was also defined as the addition of hydrogen, while oxidation was the removal of hydrogen
What happens to electrons during oxidation?
Oxidation is the loss of electrons
What happens to electrons during reduction?
Reduction is the gain of electrons
Why are redox reactions also called electron transfer reactions?
This is because they always involve the movement of electrons between species
What are half - equations in redox reactions?
Half - equations show either the gain or loss of electrons separately for oxidation and reduction
What must always happen in a redox reaction?
If one species is oxidised (loses electrons), another species must be reduced (gains electrons)
What is a reducing agent?
A reducing agent donates electrons, causing another species to be reduced
What is an oxidising agent?
An oxidising agent accepts electrons, causing another species to be oxidised
