4.3.2

Redox Reactions

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Redox Reactions

Redox reactions involve a reduction reaction (one reactant gains electrons) and an oxidation reaction (one reactant loses electrons). Here, we will look at the example of reacting magnesium with hydrochloric acid.

Illustrative background for Magnesium + hydrochloric acidIllustrative background for Magnesium + hydrochloric acid ?? "content

Magnesium + hydrochloric acid

  • Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq) → MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)
  • Mg(s) + 2H+(aq) + 2Cl-(aq) → Mg2+(aq) + 2Cl-(aq) + H2(g)
Illustrative background for MagnesiumIllustrative background for Magnesium ?? "content

Magnesium

  • Magnesium atoms are oxidised (loses electrons) to become Mg2+ ions.
Illustrative background for ChlorineIllustrative background for Chlorine ?? "content

Chlorine

  • Cl- ions are unchanged.
  • They are spectator ions and aren't included in the ionic equation.
Illustrative background for HydrogenIllustrative background for Hydrogen ?? "content

Hydrogen

  • H+ ions are reduced (gains electrons) to become hydrogen atoms.
  • The atoms join together to form H2(g).

Jump to other topics

1Atomic Structure

2Chemical Bonding

3Quantitative Chemistry

4Chemical Changes

5Energy Changes

6The Rate & Extent of Chemical Change

7Organic Chemistry

8Chemical Analysis

9Chemistry of the Atmosphere

10Using Resources

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