Redox reactions Flashcards
How can you identify if a redox reaction has taken place?
If there has been a change in oxidation numbers. This indicates there has been a transfer of electrons.
What is a redox reaction?
A chemical reaction that involves a transfer of electrons between two species, a reductant and and oxidant. eg combustion.
What is oxidation?
A half reaction in which a chemical species increases its oxidation number due to the loss of electrons.
What is reduction?
A half reaction in which a chemical species decreases its oxidation number due to gaining electrons.
What is an oxidant?
The species that causes the oxidation of another substance is itself reduced as it gains electrons.
What is a reductant?
The species that causes the reduction of another species but is itself oxidised due to the loss of electrons.
What happens to a substance that is oxidised?
The substance loses electrons.
What happens to a substance that is reduced?
The substance gains electrons.
What are the three terms that go along with gaining electrons?
- reduction
- oxidant
- reduced
What are the three terms that go along with losing electrons?
- oxidation
- reductant
- oxidised
What is a redox conjugate pair?
An electron donor and its corresponding electron acceptor. They differ by a one or more electrons.
What is a half equation?
Half equations show the individual oxidation and reduction reactions occurring in a redox process. The show symbols and states.
What is a metal displacement reaction?
A chemical reaction in which a more reactive element displaces a less reactive element from its compound. The more reactive metal loses electrons.
Is a metal displacement reaction a type of redox reaction?
Yes
How can you determine if a spontaneous reaction will occur?
In order to predict if a spontaneous reaction will occur, you must use the electrochemical series. If a negative gradient occurs between the strongest oxidant and the strongest reductant, it is spontaneous.
