Oxidation & Reduction

Oxidation (definition) (Addition/Removal Oxygen)

The addition of oxygen

Reduction (definition) (Addition/Removal Oxygen)

Oxygen is removed

Oxidation (definition) (Addition/Removal Hydrogen)

Removal of hydrogen

Reduction (definition) (Addition/Removal Hydrogen)

Addition of hydrogen

Oxidation (definition) (Electron Transfer)

Loss of electrons

Reduction (definition) (Electron Transfer)

Gain of electrons

Oxidation (definition) (Change in Oxidation Numbers)

Increase in oxidation number

Reduction (definition) (Change in Oxidation Number)

Decrease in oxidation number

Oxidising Agent (definition)

Substance that brings about oxidation in other substances by being reduced.

Reducing Agent (definition)

A substance that brings about reduction in other substances by being oxidised

Oxidation Number (definition)

Apparent charge an atom has when electrons are distributed according to certain rules

Rule 1 (element not bonded to a different element)

Oxidation number of an element not bonded to a different one is 0

Rule 2 (an ion of an element)

Oxidation number of an ion is the same as its charge

Rule 3 (total oxidation numbers in a neutral compound)

Total of the oxidation numbers in a neutral compound must add to 0

Rule 4 (Oxidation number oxygen)

Oxygen’s oxidation number is -2

Rule 5 (Oxidation number of hydrogen)

Hydrogen’s oxidation number is +1

Rule 6 (Halogen oxidation number)

Halogens have an oxidation number of -1

Rule 7 (oxidation numbers, complex ions)

Total of oxidation numbers in a complex ion must add to give the charge on the ion

In OF2 why is the oxidation for F = -1?

Because F is more electronegative and wants to gain an electron