Topic 3 - Redox

Question 1

what is oxidation?

Answer 1

loss of electrons

• gain of oxygen
• loss of hydrogen

Question 2

what is reduction?

Answer 2

gain of electrons

• loss of oxygen
• gain of hydrogen

Question 3

what is a disproportionation reaction?

Answer 3

when an element in a single species is both oxidised and reduced in the same reaction.

Question 4

what is an oxidising agent?

Answer 4

• causes other substances to be oxidised.

- it is reduced itself (gains electrons).

Question 5

what is a reducing agent?

Answer 5

• causes other substances to be reduced.

- it is oxidised itself (loses electrons).

Question 6

what causes an element in a compound to have a negative oxidation number?

Answer 6

by being more electronegative

Question 7

in general, metal forms what kind of ions and oxidation number?

Answer 7

In general, metals form positive ions by loss of electrons with an increase in oxidation number.

Question 8

in general, non-metal forms what kind of ions and oxidation number?

Answer 8

In general, non-metals form negative ions by gain of electrons with a decrease in oxidation number.