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Final Chemistry Notebook

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The Learning Goal for this assignment is:<br />

The student will learn what happens during oxidation and reduction and how to balance redox equations.<br />

1. Oxidation Numbers<br />

Redox Reactions<br />

Oxidation and reduction<br />

Every atom, ion or polyatomic ion has a formal oxidation number associated with it. This value<br />

compares the number of protons in an atom (positive charge) and the number of electrons assigned<br />

to that atom (negative charge).<br />

In many cases, the oxidation number reflects the actual charge on the atom, but there are many<br />

cases where it does not. Think of oxidation numbers as a bookkeeping exercise simply to keep track<br />

of where electrons go.<br />

2. Reduction<br />

Reduction means what it says: the oxidation number is reduced in reduction.<br />

This is accomplished by adding electrons. The electrons, being negative, reduce the overall oxidation<br />

number of the atom receiving the electrons.<br />

3. Oxidation<br />

Oxidation is the reverse process: the oxidation number of an atom is increased during oxidation.<br />

This is done by removing electrons. The electrons, being negative, make the atom that lost them<br />

more positive.<br />

I use this mnemonic to help me remember which is which: LEO the lion says GER.<br />

LEO = Loss of Electrons is Oxidation<br />

GER = Gain of Electrons is Reduction<br />

Another well-known mnemonic is this: OIL RIG<br />

OIL = Oxidation Is Loss (of Electrons)<br />

RIG = Reduction Is Gain (of Electrons)<br />

Another way is to simply remember that reduction is to reduce the oxidation number. Therefore,<br />

oxidation must increase the value.<br />

4. Reduction-Oxidation Reactions<br />

There are many chemical reactions in which one substance gets reduced in oxidation number<br />

(reduction) while another participating substance gets increased in oxidation number (oxidation).<br />

Such a reaction is called called a REDOX reaction. The RED, of course, comes from REDuction and<br />

OX from OXidation. However, it is pronounced re-dox and not red-ox.<br />

Here is a simple example of a redox reaction:<br />

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