Oxidation and Reduction in Terms of Electrons

• Oxidation


  Loss of electrons
• Reduction


  Gain of electrons
• Magnesium atom forming magnesium ion Mg2+


  1. Magnesium atom loses electrons

  2. Magnesium atom is oxidized
• Sulfur atom forming sulfide ion


  1. Sulfur atom gains electrons

  2. Sulfur atom is reduced
• Aluminium atom forming aluminium ion

  1. Aluminium atom loses 3 electrons

  2. Aluminium atom is oxidized
• Oxygen atom forming oxide ion

  1. Oxygen atom gains 2 electrons

  2. Oxygen atom is reduced
• Zinc reacting with copper sulfate

  • Zinc is oxidized
  • Copper is reduced
• Half equations show oxidation and reduction of individual atoms/ions
• Symbol equations show overall oxidation and reduction in a reaction