0% found this document useful (0 votes)
7 viewsClass Notes_ Redox Reactions
Redox reactions involve the transfer of electrons, with oxidation being the loss of electrons and reduction the gain. Key concepts include identifying oxidation numbers, types of redox reactions (such as combination, decomposition, and displacement), and methods for balancing these reactions in acidic and basic media. Applications span various fields including metallurgy, electrochemistry, and biological systems.
Uploaded by
moro_sisCopyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
7 viewsClass Notes_ Redox Reactions
Redox reactions involve the transfer of electrons, with oxidation being the loss of electrons and reduction the gain. Key concepts include identifying oxidation numbers, types of redox reactions (such as combination, decomposition, and displacement), and methods for balancing these reactions in acidic and basic media. Applications span various fields including metallurgy, electrochemistry, and biological systems.
Uploaded by
moro_sisCopyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
/ 5
Class Notes: Redox Reactions
Definition of Redox Reactions
Redox reactions are chemical reactions that involve the transfer of electrons between two
species. The term "redox" is a combination of reduction and oxidation.
● Oxidation: Loss of electrons.
● Reduction: Gain of electrons.
These processes always occur together in a redox reaction—one species is oxidized while
another is reduced.
Key Terminology
Term Definition
Oxidation Loss of electrons; increase in oxidation number.
Reduction Gain of electrons; decrease in oxidation number.
Oxidizing Agent Substance that gains electrons and is reduced.
Reducing Agent Substance that loses electrons and is oxidized.
Oxidation A theoretical charge an atom would have if electrons were transferred
Number completely.
Rules for Assigning Oxidation Numbers
1. Pure elements: Oxidation number is 0.
e.g., O₂, H₂, Na, Cl₂ → 0
2. Monatomic ions: Equal to the ion charge.
e.g., Na⁺ → +1, Cl⁻ → -1
3. Oxygen: Usually −2, except in:
○ Peroxides (H₂O₂): −1
○ Superoxides: −½
4. Hydrogen: +1 with nonmetals, −1 with metals
5. Fluorine: Always −1 in compounds.
6. Sum of oxidation numbers:
○ For a neutral compound: 0
○ For a polyatomic ion: Equal to the ion's charge
Identifying Redox Reactions
A redox reaction must involve:
● A change in oxidation numbers of at least two elements.
● One element’s oxidation number increases (oxidation).
● Another's decreases (reduction).
🧠 Tip: Track oxidation numbers of all elements across the reaction to verify.
Types of Redox Reactions
1. Combination Reaction (Synthesis)
○ A + B → AB
○ e.g., 2Mg + O₂ → 2MgO
2. Decomposition Reaction
○ AB → A + B
○ e.g., 2H₂O → 2H₂ + O₂
3. Displacement Reaction (Single Replacement)
○ A + BC → AC + B
○ e.g., Zn + CuSO₄ → ZnSO₄ + Cu
4. Disproportionation Reaction
○ A single substance is both oxidized and reduced.
○ e.g., 2H₂O₂ → 2H₂O + O₂
(Oxygen is both −1 and 0)
5. Comproportionation Reaction
○ Opposite of disproportionation.
○ Two substances with different oxidation states form one with an intermediate
oxidation state.
Balancing Redox Reactions
In Acidic Medium:
1. Write the oxidation and reduction half-reactions.
2. Balance all elements except H and O.
3. Balance O using H₂O.
4. Balance H using H⁺.
5. Balance charges using electrons (e⁻).
6. Equalize electrons between the two half-reactions.
7. Add half-reactions and simplify.
In Basic Medium:
● Same steps as acidic, but after step 6, add OH⁻ to both sides to neutralize H⁺ and form
water.
● Cancel out water molecules as needed.
Applications of Redox Reactions
● Metallurgy: Extraction of metals from ores.
● Electrochemistry: Batteries, fuel cells, electrolysis.
● Biological Systems: Cellular respiration, photosynthesis.
● Environmental Chemistry: Redox reactions in ozone formation, corrosion.
● Industrial Processes: Bleaching, wastewater treatment.
Redox in Electrochemical Cells
1. Galvanic (Voltaic) Cells:
● Convert chemical energy to electrical energy.
● Spontaneous redox reactions.
● Oxidation at anode, reduction at cathode.
2. Electrolytic Cells:
● Electrical energy drives non-spontaneous redox reactions.
● Used in electroplating, electrolysis of water.
Summary Table
Process Electron Movement Oxidation Number Agent
Oxidation Loss Increases Reducing agent
Reduction Gain Decreases Oxidizing agent
Practice Example
Unbalanced reaction:
Fe²⁺ + Cr₂O₇²⁻ + H⁺ → Fe³⁺ + Cr³⁺ + H₂O
