Redox

Question 1

What are the rules for finding oxidation number?

Answer 1

1 - uncombined element is always 0
2 - oxidation number of all atoms in a molecule adds up to 0
3 - oxidation number of a simple ion is the charge of the ion
4 - number of the atoms in the molecule adds up to the charge
5 - Gr1 always +1, Gr2 always +2, Gr3 always +3
6 - fluorine atom is always +1
7 - hydrogen atom is mostly +1
8 - oxygen atom is mostly -2
9 - any other atoms oxidation number can then be calculated

Question 2

What are the inorganic definitions of oxidation and reduction?

Answer 2

Oxidation = loss of electrons (oxidation number increases)
Reduction = gain of electrons 9oxidation number decreases)

Question 3

What are the organic definitions of oxidation and reduction?

Answer 3

Oxidation = loss of hydrogen/gain of oxygen
Reduction = gain of hydrogen/loss of oxygen

Question 4

What is the reducing agent?

Answer 4

Allows another element of be reduced (gain e-) by oxidising itself (losing e-)

Question 5

What is the oxidising agent?

Answer 5

Allows another element to be oxidised (lose e-) whilst reducing itself (gaining e-)

Question 6

What is disproportionation?

Answer 6

Specific type of redox reaction where the same element is both oxidised and reduced