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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.

Magnesium + hydrochloric acid

Magnesium + hydrochloric acid

  • Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq) → MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)
  • Mg(s) + 2H+(aq) + 2Cl-(aq) → Mg2+(aq) + 2Cl-(aq) + H2(g)
Magnesium

Magnesium

  • Magnesium atoms are oxidised (loses electrons) to become Mg2+ ions.
Chlorine

Chlorine

  • Cl- ions are unchanged.
  • They are spectator ions and aren't included in the ionic equation.
Hydrogen

Hydrogen

  • H+ ions are reduced (gains electrons) to become hydrogen atoms.
  • The atoms join together to form H2(g).
Jump to other topics
1

Atomic Structure

2

Chemical Bonding

3

Quantitative Chemistry

4

Chemical Changes

5

Energy Changes

6

The Rate & Extent of Chemical Change

7

Organic Chemistry

8

Chemical Analysis

9

Chemistry of the Atmosphere

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