Redox Flashcards
What is meant by the term “oxidation number”?
Oxidation number is a number that represents the number of electrons lost of gained by an atom.
What are the oxidation numbers of atoms in element forms?
0
What is the sum of oxidation numbers in a compound?
0
How can you determine the sum of oxidation numbers in an ion?
Sum of oxidation numbers = charge
What oxidation number do group 1 ions have?
+1
What oxidation number do group 2 ions have?
+2
What oxidation number does flourine have?
-1
What are the different oxidation numbers hydrogen can have and where do they appear?
+1 except in metal hydrides(e.g. NaH) in which they have -1
What are the different oxidation numbers oxygen can have and where do they appear?
-2 except in:
peroxides (H2O2 or Na2O2) -1
superoxides (KO2) -1/2
oxygen diflouride (OF2) +2
What is meant by the term oxidation?
When an atom loses electrons
What is meant by the term reduction?
When an atom gains electrons
What is an oxidising agent and what happens to it in a redox reaction?
An oxidising agent is a species that can oxidise another molecule whilst being reduced itself.
What is a reducing agent and what happens to it in a redox reaction?
A reducing agent is a species that can reduce another molecule whilst being oxidised itself.
What is a redox reaction?
A reaction in which a species undergoes oxidation and another undergoes reduction.
What is meant by the term “disproportionation”?
A reaction in which the same species is both oxidised and reduced at the same time.
