Redox Reactions Flashcards
What is oxidation?
loss of electrons
What is reduction
gain of electrons
What is an oxidising agent?
a species that is reduced (accepts electrons from the species that is oxidised)
What is a reducing agent?
a species that is oxidised (donates electrons to the species that is being reduced)
What is meant by the term ‘oxidation state’?
A number that represents the number of electrons lost or gained by an atom of that element in the compound
What is the oxidation state of O in MOST compounds?
-2
What is the oxidation state of flourine in ALL compounds?
-1
What is the oxidation state of H in metal hydrides?
-1
What is meant by the term disproportionation?
In a redox reaction, the oxidation states for atoms of the same element increase for some atoms and decrease for others
What is the oxidation state of an element?
0
