Redox Reactions Flashcards
What is oxidation?
Oxidation is the loss of electrons, or an increase in the oxidation state of a species.
The mnemonic for redox
OiL RiG
Oxidation is loss
Reduction is gain
(Of electrons)
Define reducing agent in a redox reaction.
A reducing agent is a substance that donates electrons and is itself oxidized.
How do you identify oxidation and reduction in a redox reaction?
Oxidation is the process where a species loses electrons, and reduction is where a species gains electrons.
What is reduction?
Reduction is the gain of electrons or a decrease in the oxidation state of an element.
What is an oxidizing agent?
An oxidizing agent is a substance that gains electrons in a redox reaction and is itself reduced.
What is the half-reaction method in redox balancing?
The half-reaction method involves separating a redox reaction into two half-reactions (oxidation and reduction) and balancing them individually.
What is a disproportionation reaction?
A disproportionation reaction is a redox reaction in which a single species is both oxidized and reduced.
How do you identify oxidation and reduction in a redox reaction?
Look for changes in oxidation states: if an element’s oxidation state increases, it is oxidized; if it decreases, it is reduced.
In the context of redox reactions, why is it important to balance the half-reactions in both mass and charge?
It is important to balance the half-reactions in both mass and charge to ensure that both the number of atoms and the overall charge are conserved in the reaction. This is essential for adhering to the law of conservation of mass and charge.
Half-equations method
What are the steps for balancing redox reactions?
(6 steps)
- Write both equations and balance everything except O and H
- Balance O by adding H2O
- Balance H by adding H+
3.5 Add OH- if in basic conditions and make water
- Balance charges by adding e-
- Multiply so numbers of electrons are the same
- Add the two
Method - using oxidation states
What are the steps for balancing redox reactions?
(5 steps)
- Assign oxidation states and balance all but O and H
- Find charges in oxidation state ( arrows up and down)
- Multiply so decrease equals increase
- Balance oxygen by adding water
- Acidic environment — so balance charge by adding H+
Basic environment — so balance by adding OH- and water
TF
In a redox reaction, the substance that loses electrons is reduced.
False. The substance that loses electrons is oxidized, while the substance that gains electrons is reduced.
TF
Polyatomic ions are typically formed through ionic bonding between two nonmetals.
False. Polyatomic ions are typically formed by covalent bonding between two or more nonmetals, where the ions can carry a charge due to the loss or gain of electrons.
