Chemistry - Oxidation and Reduction

Oxidation

• the addition of oxygen

• the loss of electrons

Reduction

• removal of oxygen

• the gain of electrons

Oxidising Agent

causes another substance to become oxidised, and in the process, is reduced

Reducing Agent

causes another substance to be reduced, and in the process, is oxidised

Oxidation Number

the charge that the atom has or appears to have when electrons are distributed according to certain rule

0

oxidation number of a pure element

-1

oxidation number of fluorine (F)

-2

oxidation number of oxygen (O) in an oxide

2

oxidation number of oxygen in OF₂

-1

oxidation number of oxygen in a peroxide

-1/2

oxidation number of oxygen in a super-peroxide

1

oxidation number of hydrogen (H) when bonded to a non-metal

-1

oxidation number of hydrogen (H) when bonded to a metal

-1

oxidation number of halogens