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Metal Oxide

Chemistry: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 10.1.8

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

Test yourself on Metal Oxide

  • Which of these are oxidation reactions?

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