Redox Reactions

Cards (16)

What is an oxidation state?
Change in electron number from ‘normal’ atoms/elements
What is the oxidation state of uncombined elements?
0
What is the oxidation state in a monoatomic atom?
The charge on the ion
What is the oxidation state of H?
+1
When is the oxidation state of H not +1?
In metal hydrides
What is the oxidation state of O?
-2
When is the oxidation state of oxygen different?
In peroxides or OF2
What is the oxidation state of Al?
+3
What is the oxidation state of Cl?
-1
What is an oxidising agent?
A compound which causes the oxidation of another element, whilst getting reduced
What is a reducing agent?
A compound which causes the reduction of another element, whilst getting oxidised in the process
What are spectator ions?
Groups which don’t change oxidation state during a redox reaction
How can you tell when a species is being oxidised?
The oxidation state increases
How can you tell when a species is being reduced?
The oxidation state decreases
How can you combine half equations?
Ensure that both reactions have the same amount of electrons, multiply them to ensure that they do
How do you write complex half equations?
balance oxygen molecules with water
balance hydrogen with H+ ions
balance charges on each side