Redox Flashcards
what is meant by oxidation
the loss of electrons
what is meant by reduction
the gain of electrons
what is meant by redox
reactions involve the transfer of electrons from one atom molecule or ion to another. The substance that is oxidised gives electrons to the substance that is reduced
what is a displacement reaction
is one in which a metal displaces another metal from a solution of its salt. A metal can only displace a metal which is lower on the electrochemical series than itself
when can a metal displace another metal
when the metal is lower on the electrochemical series then itself
what is an oxidising agent and what is it’s role
oxidising agents remove electrons from other chemicals. They are found on the bottom left hand side of the ECS. An oxidising agent is an acceptor of the lost electrons and is itself reduced.
what is a reducing agent and what is it’s role
oxidising agents donate electrons to other chemicals. They are found at the top right hand side of the ECS. A reducing agent is an electron donor and is itself oxidised
how do elements with low electronegativity tend to form ions
elements with low electronegativity (metals) tend to form ions by losing electrons (oxidation) and so can act as reducing agents. The strongest reducing agents are found in group one.
how do elements with high electronegativity is tend to form ions?
elements with high electronegativity (non-metals) tend to form ions by gaining electrons (reduction) and so can act as oxidising agents. The strongest oxidising agents are found in group 7.
Steps to balance a half equation
- write down the main chemical and it’s two forms and balance the main atom
- Balance the oxygen by adding water molecules
- Balance the hydrogen atoms by adding hydrogen ions
- Balance the charge by adding electrons
