Redox Reactions and Oxidation Numbers

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to redox reactions, oxidation states, and balancing techniques.

Oxidation

The loss of electrons, resulting in an increase in oxidation state.

Reduction

The gain of electrons, leading to a decrease in oxidation state.

Oxidizing Agent

The substance that causes oxidation in another and is itself reduced.

Reducing Agent

The substance that causes reduction in another and is itself oxidized.

Oxidation State

A number assigned to an element in a compound that reflects the number of electrons lost or gained.

Half-Reaction

An equation showing either the oxidation or reduction process in a redox reaction.

Balancing Charge

The process of ensuring that the total charge is the same on both sides of an equation.

Neutral Atom Oxidation State

The oxidation state of a neutral atom (element) is 0.

Ionic Charge Rule

Ions by themselves have an oxidation state equal to their charge.

Electron Transfer

The fundamental process in redox reactions, involving gaining or losing electrons.

Sum of Oxidation States

The total of all oxidation states in a compound must equal the overall charge of that compound.

Balancing Redox Reactions

The process of ensuring both mass and charge are balanced in a redox reaction.

Practice Problem Format

A structured way to apply definitions and procedures learned in class to specific examples.