10.1.8

Metal Oxide

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Oxidation and Reduction

Oxidation and reduction reactions are important types of reactions in chemistry. A good way to remember the difference is the OIL RIG anagram: Oxidation Is Loss (of electrons), Reduction Is Gain (of electrons).

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Oxidation

  • An oxidation reaction involves gaining oxygen.
    • It can also involve losing electrons.
  • E.g. when metals react with oxygen, metal oxides are produced:
    • Magnesium + oxygen → magnesium oxide
    • 2Mg + O2 → 2MgO
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Reduction

  • A reduction reaction involves losing oxygen.
    • It can also involve gaining electrons.
  • E.g. when metal oxides lose oxygen and return to their atomic form:
    • Iron oxide + carbon monoxide → iron + carbon dioxide
    • Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO2

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

3Atomic Structure

4The Periodic Table

5Chemical Formulae, Equations & Calculations

6Bonding

7Electrolysis

8Groups of the Periodic Table

9The Atmosphere

10Reactivity Series

11Metal Extraction

12Acids & Alkalis

13Chemical Tests

14Physical Chemistry

15Organic Chemistry

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