Oxidation, Reduction, and Redox Reactions

Question 1

Define Oxidation.

Answer 1

Oxidation is the loss of electrons.

Question 2

Define Reduction.

Answer 2

Reduction is the gain of electrons.

Question 3

What is an oxidation number?

Answer 3

It is the oxidation state of an element or an ionic substance.

Question 4

What are the oxidation sate rules?

Answer 4

1. In elements, the oxidation state will always be zero.
2. In simple ions, the oxidation state is the charge on the ion.
3. The total of all oxidation states must always be equal to the overall charge of the species.

Question 5

What are some of the common oxidation states?

Answer 5

Hydrogen has an oxidation state of +1.
Oxygen has an oxidation state of -2.
Group 1 metals have an oxidation state of +1.
Group 2 metals have an oxidation state of +2.
Group 7 halogens have an oxidation state of -1.

Question 6

What is an oxidising agent?

Answer 6

An oxidising agent accepts electrons from the species that is being oxidised. Therefore, the agent gains electrons and is reduced and this is seen as reduction in oxidation number.

Question 7

What is a reducing agent?

Answer 7

A reducing agent donates electrons to the species being reduced. Therefore, the agent gains electrons and is being oxidised which is seen as an increase in oxidation number.