Oxidising & Reducing Agents Flashcards
What is reduction
Gain of electrons by a reactant in any reaction
What is oxidation
Loss of electrons by a reactant in any reaction
How do we remember oxidation and reduction
OIL RIG
What happens in a redox reaction
Reduction and oxidation take place at the same time
What is an oxidising agent
Substance that is reduced and accepts electrons
What is a reducing agent
Substance that oxidises and donates electrons
How do elements with low electronegativities (metals) form ions
Lose electrons (oxidation) and so can act as reducing agents
How do elements with high electronegativities (non-metals) form ions
Gaining electrons (reduction) and so can act as oxidising agents
Where are the strongest reducing agents found
Group 1
Where are the strongest oxidising agents found
Group 7
Why are oxidising agents widely used
Because they are effective at killing fungi and bacteria and can inactivate viruses
What does the electrochemical series represent
A series of reduction reactions
Where are the strongest oxidising agents in the electrochemical series
Bottom of the left hand column
Where are the strongest reducing agents in the electrochemical series
Top of the right hand column
Ion-electron equations can be combined to make…
Redox equations
