Oxidation and Reduction Vocabulary

Flashcards covering the key vocabulary and definitions from the Oxidation and Reduction lecture notes.

Decomposition reaction

A reaction where a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances. Example: CuCO3 heated yields CuO + CO2.

Precipitation reaction

A reaction in which dissolved substances react to form one or more solid products. Example: AgNO3 + NaCl yields AgCl + NaNO3.

Acid-base reaction

A reaction involving the transfer of protons (H+) between reactants. Example: HCl + NaOH yields H2O + NaCl.

Oxidation-reduction reaction (Redox reaction)

A reaction that involves the transfer of electrons between chemical species, resulting in changes in oxidation states.

Oxidation

The loss of electrons by a species in a chemical reaction.

Reduction

The gain of electrons by a species in a chemical reaction.

Oxidizing Agent

A species that causes oxidation by accepting electrons and is itself reduced in the process.

Reducing Agent

A species that causes reduction by donating electrons and is itself oxidized in the process.

Oxidation Number

An arbitrary charge assigned to an atom in a molecule or ion based on a set of rules.

Standard Reduction Potential

A measure of the tendency of a chemical species to be reduced, expressed in volts (V).

Electrochemical Cell

A device that uses a chemical reaction to generate electricity (galvanic cell) or uses electricity to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction (electrolytic cell).

Electrolytic Cell

A cell which uses electricity to produce chemical change.

Commercial Cells (Batteries)

Devices which store chemical energy which can be transformed by oxidation-reduction reactions into electrical energy.

Primary Cells

Cells which may only be discharged and discarded after being used only once.

Secondary Cells

Cells which may be recharged many times.

Fuel Cells

Cells in which a continuous voltage is generated by a constant flow of reactants.

Corrosion

An oxidation-reduction process that involves a metal and oxygen and possibly water.