Redox Flashcards
What is redox chemistry?
The chemistry of reduction and oxidation reactions
In terms of electrons what is oxidation?
Oxidation is the loss of electrons
In terms of electrons what is reduction?
Reduction is the gain of electrons
What is the pneumonic for remembering what oxidation and reduction is?
OIL - RIG
Oxidation is loss of electrons
Reduction is gain of electrons
What is oxidation number?
The charge an atom has in a molecule or ion
What is the oxidation number of a pure element?
Zero
What is the oxidation number of an ion consisting of a single atom?
Its the charge on the ion
What is normally the oxidation state of oxygen?
-2
What is normally the oxidation state of hydrogen?
+1
What can you use to determine an atoms oxidation number?
It can be determined by looking at an atoms electron configuration
In terms of oxidation number, what is oxidation?
Increase in oxidation number
In terms of oxidation number, what is reduction?
Decrease in oxidation number
What is a reducing agent?
Something that causes the reduction of another substance -> it is oxidised itself
What is an oxidation agent?
Something that causes the oxidation of another substance -> it is reduced itself
When is the oxidation number of hydrogen not +1?
When hydrogen bonds with metal hydrides e.g. NaH
H = -1
