Oxidation and Reduction in terms of electrons

• What is meant by oxidation in terms of electrons?

  Oxidation is the loss of electrons.
• What is meant by reduction in terms of electrons?

  Reduction is the gain of electrons.
• How can you remember the definitions of oxidation and reduction?

  • Oxidation is loss of electrons
  • Reduction is gain of electrons
  • Mnemonic: "oil rig"
• How does a more reactive element affect a less reactive element in a displacement reaction?

  A more reactive element will displace a less reactive element.
• In a displacement reaction, what happens to the less reactive element?

  It is displaced and reduced.
• What happens to the more reactive element in a displacement reaction?

  It is oxidized as it gains electrons.
• What is a half equation in chemistry?

  A half equation represents the loss or gain of electrons in oxidation or reduction.
• How can you identify oxidation and reduction in half equations?

  Identify by checking for loss (oxidation) or gain (reduction) of electrons.
• What are the steps to identify oxidation and reduction in a symbol equation?

  1. Identify the reactants and products.
  2. Determine the oxidation states of elements.
  3. Check for loss or gain of electrons.
  4. Identify which element is oxidized and which is reduced.
• What happens to a magnesium atom when it forms a magnesium ion?

  It loses two electrons and is oxidized.
• What happens to a sulfur atom when it forms a sulfide ion?

  It gains two electrons and is reduced.
• In the reaction of zinc with copper sulfate, what happens to the zinc atom?

  The zinc atom is oxidized as it loses two electrons.
• In the reaction of zinc with copper sulfate, what happens to the copper ion?

  The copper ion is reduced as it gains two electrons.