Intro to Redox Reactions: What are Oxidation and Reduction
In
many different chemical reactions, one atom/ion/compound gains
electrons, while the other loses electrons.
The atom/ion/compound that GAINS electrons is reduced. It is also called the oxidizing agent.
The atom/ion/compound that LOSES electrons is oxidized. It is also called the reducing agent.
The way I remember this is that Oxidation Is a Loss, and Reduction Is a Gain (OIL RIG ... get it?)
To determine if a redox reaction has occurred, it is best to calculate the oxidation number of each atom in each compound that's involved.
The atom/ion/compound that GAINS electrons is reduced. It is also called the oxidizing agent.
The atom/ion/compound that LOSES electrons is oxidized. It is also called the reducing agent.
The way I remember this is that Oxidation Is a Loss, and Reduction Is a Gain (OIL RIG ... get it?)
To determine if a redox reaction has occurred, it is best to calculate the oxidation number of each atom in each compound that's involved.
