Oxidation and Reduction (Electron Transfer) Flashcards

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What is oxidation in terms of electrons?

Oxidation is when a substance loses electrons.

What is reduction in terms of electrons?

Reduction is when a substance gains electrons.

What does the memory aid OILRIG stand for in chemistry?

OILRIG stands for Oxidation Is Loss (of electrons), Reduction Is Gain (of electrons).

In this change: Na → Na+ + e−, has sodium been oxidised or reduced, and why?

Sodium has been oxidised because it has lost one electron.

In this change: Cl2 + 2e− → 2Cl−, has chlorine been oxidised or reduced, and why?

Chlorine has been reduced because each chlorine atom gains one electron.

What happens to electrons overall in a redox reaction?

Electrons are transferred from one substance to another; they are not created or destroyed.

What is an oxidising agent in terms of electron transfer?

An oxidising agent makes another substance lose electrons and is itself reduced.

What is a reducing agent in terms of electron transfer?

A reducing agent makes another substance gain electrons and is itself oxidised.

In this reaction: Mg + Cu2+ → Mg2+ + Cu, which is oxidised and which is reduced?

Magnesium is oxidised because it loses two electrons; copper ions are reduced because they gain two electrons.

What is a half equation in redox chemistry?

A half equation shows the loss or gain of electrons by one substance in a redox reaction.