Chemistry 3.1-Redox and Standard Potential

For the WJEC Board A Level

What is meant by Oxidation?

The loss of electrons from a substance, resulting in an increase in its oxidation state.

What is meant by Reduction?

The gain of electrons by a substance, leading to a decrease in its oxidation state

What is an oxidising agent?

A substance that takes electrons from another substance and so is itself reduced

What is a reducing agent?

A substance that donates electrons to another substance and so is itself oxidised

What is a salt bridge?

A piece of apparatus that connects the solutions in two half cells so that the circuit is complete and the current can flow without the solutions mixing. Usually soaked in NaOH

What is the Standard Electrode Potential?

The potential difference between any half cell under standard conditions and the standard hydrogen electrode.