OXIDATION, REDUCTION, REDOX

Question 1

What is oxidation, reduction and redox?

Answer 1

Oxidation - a loss of electrons/gain of oxygen
Reduction - a gain of electrons/loss of oxygen
Redox - both oxidation + reduction occuring in the same reaction

Question 2

What is the oxidising agent?

Answer 2

The substance that oxidises the other, and is reduced

Question 3

What is the reducing agent?

Answer 3

The substance that reduces the other, and is oxidised

Question 4

EXAMPLE: 3Mg + 2Al(3+) –> 3Mg(2+) + 2Al

Answer 4

The magnesium is oxidised, losing electrons
The aluminium ions are reduced, gaining electrons

The magnesium is the reducing agent, as it donates electrons to the aluminium
The aluminium is the oxidising agent, as it takes the electrons from the magnesium