C4 - Extraction Of Metals

What is oxidation in terms of electrons?

Oxidation is the loss of electrons.

What is reduction in terms of electrons?

Reduction is the gain of electrons.

What is a simple way to remember oxidation and reduction in terms of electrons?

OIL RIG (Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain).

What does a half equation show?

It shows the transfer of electrons in a reaction.

Give an example of a half equation where oxidation happens.

Mg → Mg²⁺ + 2e⁻ (magnesium atom loses 2 electrons).

Give an example of a half equation where reduction happens.

S + 2e⁻ → S²⁻ (sulfur atom gains 2 electrons).

Is the reaction Al → Al³⁺ + 3e⁻ oxidation or reduction?

Oxidation (aluminium loses electrons).

Is the reaction O + 2e⁻ → O²⁻ oxidation or reduction?

Reduction (oxygen gains electrons).

In the reaction Zn + CuSO₄ → ZnSO₄ + Cu, what happens to zinc?

Zinc is oxidized (loses 2 electrons to form Zn²⁺).

In the reaction Zn + CuSO₄ → ZnSO₄ + Cu, what happens to copper?

Copper is reduced (Cu²⁺ gains 2 electrons to form Cu).

In displacement reactions, what happens to the more reactive metal?

The more reactive metal loses electrons and is oxidized.

In displacement reactions, what happens to the less reactive metal?

The less reactive metal gains electrons and is reduced.