Redoximetry ✅ Flashcards
What is redoximetry?
The process of oxidation and reduction.
What happens during oxidation?
- gain of oxygen
- loss of electrons
- loss of hydrogen
What happens during reduction?
- loss of oxygen
- gain of electrons
- gain of hydrogen
State examples of redox biological processes.
- photosynthesis
- respiration
- metabolism
- corrosion
- electrolysis
What is an oxidation number?
The charge an atom would have if electrons in its bonds belonged completely to the more electronegative atom.
Can reduction occur independently of oxidation?
No, reduction and oxidation always occur simultaneously.
What is a reducing agent?
- the substance which gets oxidized (looses electrons)
- allows another substance to be reduced
What is an oxidizing agent?
- the substance which is reduced (gains electrons)
- allows another substance to be oxidized
What type of charge do oxidizers usually have?
oxidisers are more likely to be reduced, therefore they typicallly have elements in high oxidation numbers.
What type of charge do reducers usually have?
reducers are likely to be oxidized, therefore loose electrons. Electropositive elemenal metals such as group 1 and group 2 metals are good reducing agents.
What is the oxidation number of group 1 and 2 metals?
group 1: +1
group 2: +2
What is the oxidation number of any uncombined element?
0
What is the oxidation number of oxygen?
usually -2
(exception: peroxides: -1
- H2O2)
What is the oxidation number of hydrogen?
usually: +1
(exception: metal hydrides: -1
- eg.NaOH)
What is the oxidation number of fluorine?
-1
(most electronegative element in the periodic table)
