FORM 4 CHEMISTRY

OXIDATION AND REDUCTION REACTIONS

In many redox reactions, one element loses electrons and another gains them. Oxidation and reduction
can be defined in terms of electron transfer:

Oxidation is, the loss of electrons by an element in its free state, or an element in a compound.

Reduction is the gain of electrons by an element in its free state, or an element in a compound.

Example:

Burning magnesium in oxygen:

2Mg(s) + O2 (g) -> 2MgO(s)
The magnesium oxide (MgO) produced in the reaction is an ionic compound consisting of Mg 2+ ions and
O2- ions. During the reaction:

● Each magnesium atom loses two electrons to form a magnesium ion. Magnesium (Mg) is oxidised:
Mg - 2e –> Mg2+
This is more correctly written as: Mg -> Mg 2+ + 2e
The overall oxidation half equation is: 2Mg(s) -> 2Mg 2+ (s) + 4e

● Each oxygen atom in the oxygen molecule gains two electrons to form an oxide ion. Oxygen (O 2) is
reduced:
O2 + 2e -> O2-
The overall reduction half equation is: O2 (g) + 4e -> 2O2- (s)

1. Write the oxidation and reduction half equations for the following reactions.

I. Reaction between aluminium and chlorine gas.

2Al (s) + 3 Cl2 (g) -> 2AlCl2 (s)

II. Reaction between Sodium and Oxygen

4 Na + O2 → 2 Na2O.

III. Reaction between Zinc and Copper sulphate

Zn (s) + CuSO4 (aq) --> Cu (s) + ZnSO4 (aq).

2. State whether each of the following half equations shows oxidation or reduction:

I. Fe3+ (aq) + 3e- -> Fe(s)

II. Fe2+ (aq) -> Fe3+ (aq) + e-

III. Br2 (aq) -> 2Br (aq) + 2e-

IV. Cu2+ + 2e -> Cu(s).