Redox Reactions Flashcards
1
Q
What is reduction?
A
Reduction is gain of electrons.
2
Q
What is oxidation?
A
Oxidation is loss of electrons.
3
Q
Why must reduction and oxidation occur together?
A
If one species gains electrons, another species loses the same number of electrons.
4
Q
What is an oxidising agent?
A
An oxidising agent accepts electrons from another reactant. Non-metals are oxidising agents.
5
Q
What is a reducing agent?
A
An reducing agent donates electrons from another reactant. Metals are oxidising agents.
6
Q
How can an overall equation for a redox reaction be constrcted?
A
By combining the half equations showing the transfer of electrons in the reaction.
The number of electrons transferred must be the same in each half-equation to ensure every electron lost by one species is gained by another.
