Unit 1 : Oxidising Or Reducing Agents

Question 1

State what reduction is

Answer 1

Reduction is a gain of electrons by a reactant in any reaction

Question 2

State what oxidation is

Answer 2

Oxidation is loss of electrons by a reactant in any reaction

Question 3

What agent accepts electrons

Answer 3

Oxidising agents

Question 4

What agent donates electrons

Answer 4

Reducing agent

Question 5

Which elements are strong reducing agents

Answer 5

The strongest reducing agents are the alkali metals

(Group 1) as they have low electronegativities and lose electrons very easily.

Question 6

Which elements are strong oxidising agents

Answer 6

The strongest oxidising agents are highly electronegative elements like the halogens (Group 7) because they tend to form ions by gaining electrons.

Question 7

What are the uses for oxidising agents

Answer 7

Bleach clothes or hair as oxidising agents breaks down coloured compounds

Kill fungi and bacteria and inactive viruses.