Question

Using your chemistry textbook as a reference, briefly explain what is meant by the terms "oxidation" and "reduction." Write appropriate equations to support your answer.

Answer 1

1) Oxidation :

oxidation is loss of electrons

or

oxidation is increase in oxidation number

examples :

a) Fe (s) ----> Fe+3 + 3e-

in this case

iron is oxidized to Fe+3 by losing 3 electrons

also

the oxidation number is increased from 0 to +3

2) Reduction :

Reduction is gain of electrons

or

Reduction is decrease in oxidation number

example :

a) Fe+3 + 3e- ----> Fe (s)

in this case

Fe+3 is reduced to Fe by gaining 3 electrons

also

the oxidation number is decreased from +3 to 0