Topic 7: Oxidation and reduction (redox reactions) (physical chem) Flashcards
define oxidation
loss of electrons
define reduction
gain of electrons
When does a redox reaction occur
when oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously (one species looses electrons which are then donated and gained by the other species)
What is an oxidation number
Gives the oxidation state of an element or ionic substance
-e.g hydrogen = +1
-oxygen = -2
Group 7 = -1
Group 1 = +1
Oxidising agent
-accepts electrons from the species that is being oxidised so it gains electrons and is reduced (oxidation no. becomes more negative)
Reducing agent
-donates electrons to the species being reduced
-looses electrons and is oxidised (positive oxidation no.)
half equations
-used to show separate oxidation and reduction reactions that occur
state in terms of electrons the meaning of the term oxidising agent
electron accepter
equation for oxidation of iron
Fe2+ –> Fe3+ + e-
when is oxidation number the same as charge
only for monotomic elements
Cl2 (aq) + 2Br (aq) –> 2Cl- (aq) + Br2 (aq) –> what is being oxidised and what is being reduced
Cl2 = reduced (neutral to negative)
Br = oxidised (negative to neutral)
negative to neutral
oxidisation
reduction vs oxidation
-Elements can either be oxidised or reduced (transfer of electrons between elements and the system)
-reduction = gain of electrons
-oxidation = loss of electrons
Al3+ + 3e- –> Al what is happening in this equation
aluminum is reduced (gains electrons)
2Cl- –> Cl2 + 2e- what is happening here
chlorine is oxidsed (looses electron)
what side of the equation has oxidised and what side is reduction
oxidised = right hand side
reduction = left hand side