Oxidation and Reduction Reaction
Oxidation and Reduction reactions are the basis of Redox reactions so to fully understand the concept of redox reactions, let us learn about oxidation and reduction reactions separately.
What is Oxidation Reaction?
When an atom loses electrons oxidation happens, the oxidation reaction is also defined as the addition of an oxygen atom or the removal of a hydrogen atom. Oxidation number of the atom increases in oxidation reaction.
Some examples of oxidation reactions are:
- CH4 (g) + 2O2 (g) → CO2 (g) + 2H2O (l)
- 2S(s) + O2 (g) → SO2 (g)
What is Reduction Reaction?
When an atom gains electrons reduction happens, the reduction reaction is also defined as the removal of an oxygen atom or the addition of a hydrogen atom. Oxidation number of the atom decreases in reduction reaction.
Some examples of reduction reactions are:
- 2CH4 (g) + H2 (g) → 2CH6 (g)
- 2CuCl2 (aq) + H2 (g) → 2CuCl (aq) + 2HCl (aq)
Observing above reactions we can conclude that both oxidation and reduction happens in above reactions. CuCl2 is reduced as electronegative element chlorine is removed from it. While hydrogen is oxidized due to the addition of chlorine, an electronegative element, in the above reaction.
Redox Reactions
Redox Reactions are oxidation and reduction reactions that happen simultaneously in a chemical reaction and in this, the reactant undergoes a change in its oxidation state. Redox stands for Reduction – Oxidation. Redox reaction is a common term used in both Chemistry and Biology. They are a certain type of chemical reaction in which the substrate’s oxidation states change.
A reduction is a decrease in the oxidation state or a gain in electrons, whereas oxidation is the loss of electrons or an increase in the oxidation state. A redox reaction involves the transfer of electrons between two species. Redox reactions can occur in two ways, by the electron transfer and by the atom transfer of the chemical species involved in a chemical reaction. Redox Reaction is important for class 10 and class 11 students.
In this article, you will read about what is a redox reaction, its definition, types, and examples of redox reactions.
Table of Content
- What is a Redox Reaction?
- Types of Redox Reactions
- Examples of Redox Reactions
- Oxidation and Reduction Reaction
- Oxidizing and Reducing Agents
- Reduction Potential of a Half-Reaction
- Balancing Redox Reaction
- Real-life Applications of Redox Reaction
- Uses of Redox Reaction