Oxidising and reducing agents

What is a reduction

Gain of electrons by a reactant in any reaction

What is oxidation

A loss of electrons by a reactant in any reaction.

What takes place during a redox reaction

A reduction and oxidation at the same time

What is an oxidising agent

A substance that accepts electrons

Elements with high electronegativities tend to form ions by gaining electrons and so act as oxidising agents.

What is a reducing agent

A substance that donates electrons

Elements with low electronegativities tend to form ions by losing electrons and so act as reducing agents.

Which group contain the strongest reducing agents

Group 1

Which group contain the strongest oxidising agents

Group 7

Examples of oxidising agents

-Hydrogen peroxide is a molecule that is an oxidising agent

-Dichromate and permanganate ions are group ions that are strong oxidising agents in acidic solutions

Example of reducing agent

Carbon monoxide is a gas that can be used as a reducing agent

Why are oxidising agents widely used

Effectiveness with which they can kill fungi and bacteria, and can inactivate viruses

Also an effective means of breaking down coloured compounds, making oxidising agents ideal for use as ‘bleach’ for clothes and hair.

Where are the strongest oxidising agents in the electrochemical series

Bottom of the left-hand column

Where are the strongest reducing agents in the electrochemical series

Top of the right-hand column