unit 1 KA3 - oxidising and reducing agents Flashcards
what is reduction
a gain of electrons by a reactant in any reaction
what is oxidation
oxidation is a loss of electrons by a reactant in any reaction
what is a redox reaction
in a redox reaction, reduction and oxidation take place at the same time
what is an oxidising agent
a substance that accepts electrons
what is a reducing agent
a substance that donates electrons
can oxidising and reducing agents be identified in redox reactions
yes
are elements with high electronegativities more likely to form ions by losing or gaining electrons?
they tend to form ions by gaining electrons and so act as oxidising agents
are elements with low electronegativities more likely to form ions by losing or gaining electrons?
they tend to form ions by losing electrons and so act as reducing agents
what are the periodic table placements for the strongest reducing agents and the strongest oxidsing agents
in the periodic table, the strongest reducing agents are in group 1, and the strongest oxidising agents are in group 7
what are examples of oxidising agents
- hydrogen peroxide
- dichromate and permanganate ions are group ions that are strong oxidising agents in acidic solutions
what are examples of reducing agents
carbon monoxide is a gas that can be used as a reducing agent
why are oxidising agents used
they are widely used because of the effectiveness with whcih they can kill fungi and bacteria, and can inactivate viruses. it is also an effective means of breaking down coloured compounds, making oxidising agents ideal for use as “bleach” for clothes and hair.
what does the electrochemical series represent
a series of reduction reactions
where can the strongest oxidising agents be found on the electrochemical series
the bottom of the left-hand column
where can the strongest reducing agents be found on the electrochemical series
the top of the right hand column
