Redox Flashcards
Oxidation
Loss of electrons
reduction
gain of electrons
Oxidising agent
A reagent that oxidises another species
Electron acceptor
Reducing agent
A reagent that reduces another species
electron donor
Redox reactions
Reduction-oxidation reactions, describes reactions where electrons are transferred from one species to another
Half equation
Equations for redox reactions that only considers one species involved and explicitly shows the electrons transferred
What is the procedure for writing half equations?
4 steps
- Balance the main element atoms
- Balance the oxygens with water
- Balance the hydrogens with H+ions
- Balance the charges with electrons
Oxidation states
Used to see what has been oxidised and what has been reduces in a redox reaction
What should the oxidation states add up to in a compound?
Oxidation states in a compound should equal zero.
Which metal elements have fixed oxidation states in compounds?
Group 1 (+1), Group 2 (+2) and Group 3 (+3)
When does oxygen not have an oxidation state of -2?
When in peroxides eg. H2O2 where it is -1
When is hydrogen not +1?
When in metal hydrides eg NaH where it is -1
What is the oxidation state of Hydrogen usually?
Hydrogen: +1
What is the oxidation state of Oxygen usually?
Oxygen: -2
What is the oxidation of Fluorine in it’s compounds?
flourine: -1