Unit 3: Chapter 16 - Oxidising and Reducing Agents Flashcards
What can be used to show a Redox reaction?
Metal displacement reaction.
How do metal displacement reactions occur?
When a metal higher up in the electrochemical series displaces a metal in solution which is lower than itself.
What is reduction?
A gain of electrons by a reactant in any reaction.
What is oxidation?
A loss of electrons in any reaction.
In a redox reaction what takes place at the same time?
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.
What are good oxidising agents?
Elements in group 7/elements with a high electronegativity.
What are good reducing agents?
Group 1 elements/ elements with a low electronegativity.
How do elements with low electronegativities tend to form ions?
By losing electrons and so act as a reducing agent.
How do elements with high electronegativities tend to form ions?
By gaining electrons and so act as oxidising agents.
What is an example of a molecule that is an oxidising agent?
Hydrogen peroxide
What are examples of group ions that are strong oxidising agents in acidic solutions?
Dichromate and permanganate ions.
What is an example gas that can be used as a reducing agent?
Carbon monoxide
Why are oxidising agents widely used?
Oxidising agents are widely used because of the effectiveness with which they can kill fungi and bacteria, and can inactivate viruses. The oxidation process is also an effective means of breaking down coloured compounds, making oxidising agents ideal for use as
‘bleach’ for clothes and hair.
