Oxidation and Reduction

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions of redox, oxidation, and reduction in terms of oxygen, hydrogen, and electron transfers based on the lecture text.

Redox reactions

Chemical processes in which oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously.

Oxidation (in terms of oxygen)

The gain of oxygen by a substance during a chemical reaction.

Reduction (in terms of oxygen)

The loss of oxygen from a substance during a chemical reaction.

Reduction of iron oxide

The blast furnace reaction $Fe_2O_3 + 3CO \rightarrow 2Fe + 3CO_2$, where $CO$ gains oxygen (oxidation) and $Fe_2O_3$ loses oxygen (reduction).

Oxidation (in terms of hydrogen)

The loss of hydrogen by a substance during a chemical reaction.

Reduction (in terms of hydrogen)

The gain of hydrogen by a substance during a chemical reaction.

Acetylene ($C_2H_2$)

A gas commercially used for cutting and welding metals because it produces a very hot flame known as an oxy-acetylene flame when it burns.

Combustion of acetylene

The reaction $2C_2H_2 + 5O_2 \rightarrow 4CO_2 + 2H_2O$, where $C_2H_2$ loses hydrogen (undergoing oxidation) and $O_2$ gains hydrogen (undergoing reduction).

Oxidation (in terms of electrons)

The loss of electrons during a chemical reaction.

Reduction (in terms of electrons)

The gain of electrons during a chemical reaction.