electrochemistry
the study of relationships between chemical reactions and the flow of electrons
electronegativity
the ability of an element to attract electrons towards itself
most electronegative atoms
fluorine, oxygen, chlorine, nitrogen, bromine
least electronegative atoms
radium, francium, cesium, rubidium
how do electrons move between species?
through covalently bonded molecules and ionic bonds
how do covalently bonded molecules move electrons between species?
elements share equally ex. H2 compouns share unequally ex H20
how do ionic bonds move electrons between species?
they transfer electrons (give or take)
oxidation reduction reactions (redox reactions)
reactions where one or more electrons are transfered
oxidation
where electrons are removed from an atom or ion
reduction
where electrons are gained from an atom or ion
reducing agent
causes the reduction of another species
oxidation agent
causes the oxidation of another species