Oxidation and Reduction in Terms of Electrons

• What should you be able to explain by the end of the video?

  Oxidation and reduction in terms of electrons
• What is the relationship between a more reactive element and a less reactive element in a displacement reaction?

  A more reactive element displaces a less reactive element from its compound
• In the reaction between magnesium and iron oxide, what happens to the iron atoms?

  The iron atoms have been reduced as they've lost oxygen
• In the reaction between magnesium and iron oxide, what happens to the magnesium atoms?

  The magnesium atoms have been oxidized as they've gained oxygen
• How is oxidation defined in terms of electrons?

  Oxidation is the loss of electrons
• How is reduction defined in terms of electrons?

  Reduction is the gain of electrons
• What happens to a magnesium atom when it forms the magnesium ion $Mg^{2+}$?


  The magnesium atom has been oxidized as it's lost electrons
• What happens to a sulfur atom when it gains two electrons?

  The sulfur atom has been reduced as it has gained electrons
• What mnemonic can help remember the definitions of oxidation and reduction?

  Oil rig: Oxidation is loss, Reduction is gain
• What are the oxidation and reduction reactions in the provided examples?

  • Aluminium atom losing three electrons to form aluminium ion: Oxidation
  • Oxygen atom gaining two electrons to form oxide ion: Reduction
• In the displacement reaction of zinc with copper sulfate, what happens to the zinc atom?

  The zinc atom has lost two electrons and has been oxidized
• In the displacement reaction of zinc with copper sulfate, what happens to the copper ion?

  The copper ion has gained two electrons and has been reduced
• What is the product of zinc reacting with copper sulfate?

  Zinc sulfate and copper
• What do you need to know to identify oxidation and reduction in symbol equations?

  You need to know the ions present in the reaction
• Where can you find more questions on oxidation and reduction in terms of electrons?

  In the revision workbook
• What are the key concepts of oxidation and reduction in terms of electrons?

  • Oxidation: Loss of electrons
  • Reduction: Gain of electrons
  • Half equations illustrate these processes