Redox and Electrochemistry

What the page covers

The resources fall into two main strands: redox itself and electrolysis. On the redox side, the mind map Oxidation and Reduction sets out the basics: oxidation is an increase in oxidation number, reduction is a decrease, and uncombined elements are zero. Flashcard decks such as Oxidation numbers and Redox Colour changes help you drill the rules.

On the electrolysis side, several mind maps explain that a compound must be molten or in solution to conduct, that the cathode is negative and the anode is positive, and how salt solutions differ from molten salts. Notes cover the electrolysis of aluminium, acidified water and Na2SO4, plus the chlor-alkali industry.

Where to start

1. Read the mind map Oxidation and Reduction to fix the definitions.
2. Go through the Oxidation numbers flashcards until the rules feel automatic.
3. Try the IGCSE Redox Reactions quiz, which asks you to judge statements about the reaction of aluminium with iron(III) oxide.
4. Move on to an electrolysis mind map, then a quiz such as Electrolysis Quiz.

Going further

For A-level and IB readers, the notes on standard electrode potential cover electrochemical cells and thermodynamic feasibility. Other resources include Redox and Electrode Potentials, Cells and half cells and Batteries and Fuel Cells. A small number of resources, such as the quiz Chapter 17 - Electrochemistry, suit university students who need to fill a gap.

Using maps and quizzes together

Read a map first, then close it and take a quiz on the same idea. Wrong answers show you which branch to revisit. Flashcards then help with the small facts, such as which electrode gains or loses electrons.

Where it sits

This unit belongs to the Chemical Reactions and Quantities strand in Chemistry. Teachers can pick maps or slide sets such as Electrolysis to use as ready-made material. Choose one resource and start there.