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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).

Oxidation

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
Reduction

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
1

States of Matter

2

Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

3

Atomic Structure

4

The Periodic Table

5

Chemical Formulae, Equations & Calculations

6

Bonding

7

Electrolysis

8

Groups of the Periodic Table

9

The Atmosphere

10

Reactivity Series

11

Metal Extraction

12

Acids & Alkalis

13

Chemical Tests

14

Physical Chemistry

15

Organic Chemistry

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