Redox Reactions

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Redox is the term used for reactions which involve both reduction and oxidation.

Oxidation is loss of electrons (OIL)

Reduction is gain of electrons (RIG)

Oxidising agents are reduced - they gain electrons.

Reducing agents are oxidised - they lose electrons.

More reactive metal can replace a less reactive metal.

e.g. Fe + CuSO₄ --> FeSO₄ + Cu

Sulphate ions in most redox reactions are spectator ions.

Fe to FeSO₄ - oxidation so loss of electrons. Fe oxidation state from 0 to +6 so Fe --> Fe²⁺ + 2e⁻

CuSO₄ to Cu - reduction so gain of electrons. Cu oxidation state from +6 to 0 so Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ --> Cu