Oxidation and reduction in terms of electrons.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnbuTl2ariI&list=PL9IouNCPbCxXDlRtCQEG0cGehBvJ7t9Pf&index=4

Whats the other definitions for oxidation and reduction.

Oxidation is the loss of electrons

Reduction is the gain of electrons.

Heres an example:

Mg → Mg⁺² + 2e^-

Magnesium atom produced magnesium ion and 2 electrons.

The magnesium atom has been oxidised as it has lost electrons.

S + 2e^- → S^2-

Sulfr atom reacts with 2 electrons to produce a sulfide ion.

The sulfur atom has been reduced as it has gained electrons.

Whats easy way to remember oxidation / reduction

O I L = Oxidation is Loss

R I G= Reduction is Gain.

Identify in the reaction below which element has been oxidised and which has been reduced

We start with Zn, and end with Zn+2, and in order for this to happen, the zinc atom must have lost 2 electrons like this : Zn → Zn²⁺ + 2e^- and therefore zinc atom was oxidised.

Looking at the copper, we start with Cu²⁺ and make copper atom Cu. For this to happen, copper must have gained 2 electrons, in other words it was reduced. Cu2+ + 2e- → Cu

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