OXIDATION AND REDUCTION

Syllabus

Definitions of oxidation and reduction with examples, in the context of combination and dissociation
with oxygen and hydrogen, in the ratio of electro-negative and electro-positive elements and radicals, on
the basis of electronic theory, in the context of electron acceptance and sacrifice, oxidizing and reducing
Definitions of reducing agents, including examples of substances that act as both oxidants and reducing
agents, difficulties in explaining reduction and reduction reactions in the context of electronic theory.

There are many types of chemical reactions which we will study separately in this
book. Ray shape is a chemical reaction, knowledge of which is essential for those interested
in chemistry from an eccentric point of view. Let us try to explain the causation reactions in
this context.
➢ Definitions of Oxidation
(1) The process of combining with oxygen - The process of combining an element with oxygen is
called oxidation reaction. As-
(a) When sulphur is burnt in air it burns rapidly and combines with oxygen to form sulphur
dioxide gas. Since sulphur combines with oxygen here, it is oxidized.
S + O2 SO2 (Sulphur is oxidised)
(b) When magnesium is burnt in air it burns with very intense light. Here magnesium
combines with oxygen in the air to form magnesium oxide. Hence, oxidation of
magnesium occurs.
2Mg + O2 2MgO (Magnesium is oxidised)
(c) When dry hydrogen gas is burnt in air or oxygen gas, it burns with a blue flame. Here hydr
combines with oxygen to create force. Hence hydrogen is oxidized.
2H2 + O2 2H2O (Hydrogen is oxidised)
(ii) The process of combining with electronegative elements or groups - Since oxygen is an
electronegative element, the reactions in which an element combines with electronegative elements
or groups are 1, oxidation. Reactions are called [Remember that electro-negative groups – sulphate
(SO4- -) carbonate (CO3- -). Nitrate (NO3-), Phosphate (PO4- - -). It is appropriate to call hydroxide
(OH-) etc. group as radical B]. As-
a) Aluminium chloride is formed by passing chlorine gas over hot aluminium turnings.
In this reaction, aluminium undergoes oxidation because it combines with the
electronegative element fluorine.
2 Al + 3Cl2 2AlCl3 (Aluminium is oxidised)

b) On heating copper turnings with concentrated sulfuric acid, copper sulphate is formed
and sulphur dioxide gas is produced. In this reaction, since tin reacts with
electronegative sulphate group (SO₂), it gets oxidized.
Cu + 2H2SO4 CuSO4 +SO2 + 2H2O (Copper is oxidised)
(iii) Increase in the proportion of electro-negative element or group. Oxidation is also a chemical
reaction in which the proportion of electro-negative element or group increases. For example,
a) When light green coloured ferrous chloride (FCI) is passed through aqueous solution,
light yellow coloured ferric chloride (FCI) is obtained. In this reaction, as a result of
increase in the proportion of electro-negative corona in ferrous chloride (FCI),
ferric chloride (FCl) is formed and iron chloride is oxidised. [FCC] with 1 Fe in 2Cl
FCT with 1 Fc in 301].

2FeCl2 + Cl2 2FeCl3 (ferrous chloride is oxidised)

b) By adding dilute sulfuric acid to the light green aqueous solution of ferrous sulphate and
then adding hydrogen peroxide to make it acidic, ferric sulphate is formed and the
solution becomes reddish-brown. In these reactions the proportion of electronegative
sulphate group (SO4- - ) in ferrous sulphate increases. Therefore, oxidisation of
ferrous sulphate takes place.

(iv) The process of increasing the valency of the electropositive compound -

We have already seen that oxidation is a chemical reaction in which the proportion of the
electronegative component of the compound increases. Hence, we can also say that in the
process of oxidation, the valency of the electro-positive component of the compound increases.
For example-
(a) Chlorine in solution of stannous chloride (SnCl₂, tin with valency 2) Stannic chloride
(SnCl₂ valency of tin is 4) is obtained by passing gas.
Is. What is the valence of tin in this reaction?
It increases from (stannous chloride SnCl₂) to (stannic chloride, SnCl), hence
stannous chloride is oxidized.
SnCl2+ Cl2 SnCl4 (Stannous chloride is oxidised)
(b) By passing chlorine gas in a solution of ferrous chloride (FeCl3, iron with
valence 2), ferric chloride (FeCI, iron with valency 3) is obtained. What is the
valency of iron in this reaction? It increases from 1 (in ferrous chloride, FeCl) to 3
(in ferric chloride, FeCI), hence the oxidation of ferrous chloride takes place.
(v) Action to remove hydrogen or electropositive elements from compounds -
Removal of hydrogen or electropositive elements from a compound.
Element (since hydrogen is an electropositive element) thus when hydrogen or electropositive
element is removed. The reaction is known as oxidation
For example
(a) On heating concentrated hydrochloric acid with manganese dioxide, greenish-
yellow coloured chlorine gas is produced. In this reaction, since as a result of
removal of hydrogen from hydrochloric acid, it gets converted into chlorine, hence
hydrochloric acid is oxidized.
4HCI+MnO2 MnCl2+ 2H2O+Cl2 (Oxidation of hydrochloric acid)
(b) Ammonia is converted into nitrogen by oxygen at high temperature and in the
presence of a catalyst. Here, since hydrogen is removed from ammonia, it is
oxidized.
4NH3+ 3O2 2N2 + 6H₂O (oxidation of ammonia)
(c) Iodine is liberated by adding hydrogen peroxide to potassium iodide solution (the
formation of iodine is tested by adding starch solution to the solution, in the
presence of iodine the colour of the solution turns blue). Since in this reaction iodine
 is formed after the removal of electro-positive element potassium from potassium
iodide, hence potassium iodide is oxidized.

2KI + H₂O₂ I2 + 2KOH (Oxidation of potassium iodide)

(vi) The process of reducing the proportion of electro-positive elements in compounds -
Oxidation is also a chemical reaction in which the proportion of electro-positive elements in
a compound decrease. For example
(a) Ferric chloride is formed by passing chlorine gas in the solution of ferrous
chloride. In this reaction, the proportion of electro-positive element iron is reduced,
hence ferrous chloride is oxidized.
2FeCl2 + Cl2 2FeCl3 (oxidation of ferrous chloride)
(b) Mercuric chloride is formed by reacting mercuric chloride with chlorine.
Is made. In this reaction the proportion of electro-positive element mercury
decreases.
Hg2Cl2+ Cl2 2HgCl2 (mercuric chloride is oxidized.)

Mercurous Chloride Changes to Mercuric Chloride. All the above-mentioned

reactions are oxidation reactions;
Hence the definition can be given in the following manner - In the context of these,
oxidation

Definition of oxidation - Oxidation is a chemical reaction. As a result of which there is

a combination of oxygen or electro-negative system or group with any element or
compound or there is an increase in their ratio, on the other hand there is an increase
in the valency of the electro-positive component of any compound, or any Hydrogen or
electro-positive elements are removed from the compound or their ratio is reduced.
Experimental demonstration of oxidation reactions
Oxidation reactions can be demonstrated experimentally through the following
experiments:

(i) Take aqueous solution of potassium iodide in a test tube. The solution will be
colourless. Add hydrogen oxide to this colourless solution. Blue solution will
release iodine as a result of the reaction. After some time, starch was added to the
test tube. Add one drop of solution. The colour of the solution in the test tube will
turn blue which indicates the formation of iodine as a result of oxidisation of
Potassium iodide (since iodine produces blue colour with starch solution).
2KI + H2O2 I2 + 2KOH (Potassium iodide is oxidised)

(ii) Take aqueous solution of hydrogen sulphide in a test tube and flow chlorine
gas into it. After some time, yellow precipitate of sulfur is obtained. Here
 chlorine oxidizes hydrogen sulphide into sulfur and a yellow precipitate is
obtained.

A reaction between hydrogen sulphide and chlorine gas in a test tube

H2S + Cl2 2HCl + S (Hydrogen sulphide is oxidised)

Oxidizing agents - Oxidizing agents are those chemical compounds which, after
reaction, add reagents or distributive elements or groups to other substances or
increase their ratio or increase the valency of electropositive elements or Hydrogen
or electronegative elements are removed or their proportion is reduced. The above-
mentioned solutions include Oxygen (O2) Chlorine (CI2) Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4).
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and manganese dioxide (MnO2) are non-oxidizing
substances. Examples of some other oxidizing substances are - ozone (O3), nitric
acid (HNO3), potassium permanganate (KMnO4), potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7)
etc. Oxidizers can be understood better through practical examples.
Example 1. When pure hydrochloric acid is treated with water, chlorine gas is liberated. In this
reaction, guanidine removes hydrogen from the hydrochloric end and converts it into
chlorine. Manganese dioxide is the reducing agent.
Oxidation

4HCl + MnO2 MnCl2+2H2O+Cl2

Hydrochloric Manganese di Magnous water chlorine
Acid oxide chloride
Example 2. When ferrous chloride is reacted with chlorine, it forms ferric chloride.
Here, by increasing the electronegative elemental tolerance of ferrous chloride, it
oxidizes it into ferric fluoride and hence chlorine is a reactant.
oxidation

increase in the ratio of electronegative element chlorine

2FeCl2 + Cl2 2FeCl3

Example 3. When sulfur dioxide is passed through acidic solution of potassium
dichromate, sulfur dioxide is oxidized to sulfuric acid. The oxidation process is due to
potassium dichromate; hence it is an oxidant agent.
 oxidation

K2CR207 + 4H2So4 + 3SO2 K2SO4 +Cr2(SO4)3 + H2O + 3H2SO4

(Oxidising agents)

Example 5. When nitrous oxide (HNO2) is added to acidic solution of potassium

permanganate, it gets oxidized into nitric oxide (HNO3). Here, potassium
permanganate performs the process of converting nitrous acid into nitric acid by
increasing the proportion of oxygen in HNO2 hence it is an oxidant.
oxidation

2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 + 5HNO2 K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + H₂O + 5HNO3

(Oxidising agents)

Now tell -
1. Define oxidation in the context of oxygen and hydrogen.
2. What is the process of increasing the valency of electro-positive elements called?
3. Give an example of an oxidation reaction in which the electronegative element is
increased in the following group.
4. The process of increasing the proportion of an electronegative element or group
is?
5. What is the process of reducing the proportion of electro-positive elements?
6. Define oxidizing agent.
7. Explain the oxidizing properties of. MnO2

Definitions of Reduction
Reduction reactions are the exact opposite of oxidation
(1) The process of combining with hydrogen – The process of combining an element with
hydrogen is called reduction reaction. For example-
(a) Chlorine combines with hydrogen to form hydrogen chloride. Here, since chlorine
combines with hydrogen, chlorine is reduced.
H2 + Cl2 2HCl (Reduction of chlorine)
(b) Sulfur is precipitated by passing hydrogen sulphide gas in chlorine water. In this
reaction, since chlorine combines with the hydrogen of hydrogen sulphide, chlorine is
reduced.
H2S + Cl2 2HCl + S (Chlorine is reduced)
(2) The process of combination with electro-positive elements - Since hydrogen is an
electro-positive element, the process of combination with electro-positive elements is also
called reduction reaction. As-
(a) When sodium metal is heated with chlorine gas, it catches fire and sodium chloride is
formed. In this reaction, chlorine combines with the electro-positive element sodium,
hence chlorine is reduced
2Na + Cl2 2NaCl (Chlorine is reduced)
(b) Ferric chloride is obtained by heating iron metal in chlorine flow. Here chlorine
combines with the electropositive element iron, hence chlorine is reduced.
2Fe + 3Cl2 2FeCl3 (reduction of chlorine)
(3) The process of increasing the proportion of electro-positive elements - The process of
increasing the proportion of electro-positive elements is also called reduction reaction. As-
(a) Mercurous chloride is formed when mercuric chloride is heated with mercury metal.
It is obtained in the form of white crystalline powder. In this reaction mercuric chloride is
reduced, since the proportion of electropositive element mercury (Hg) increases in it.
(Mercuric chloride (HCI) has one Hg with two (1), but mercurous chloride (Hg 2Cl₂)
has two Hg with two CI.]
HgCl2 + Hg Hg2Cl2 (Reduction of mercurous Chloride)
(b) When zinc and dilute sulfuric acid are added to the reddish-brown solution of ferric
sulphate, ferrous sulphate is formed due to which the solution becomes light green. Here
ferric sulphate is reduced because the proportion of electropositive element iron
increases in it, Ferric sulphate Fe2(SO₂)3, has three SO, with two Fc. But ferrous
sulphate (FeSO4) has one SO along with one Fe.
Fe2(SO4)3 + 2H Zn +H2SO4
2FeSO4 + H2SO4 (Reduction of ferric sulphate)
(4) Decrease in the valency of the electropositive element. We have seen above that under
reduction, the proportion of electro-positive component of the compound increases.
Therefore, we can also say that in the process of reduction, the valency of the electro-
positive component of the compound decreases. Such as-
(a) In the solution of mercuric chloride (HgCl₂, valency of mercury 2)
On adding solution of stannous chloride (SnCl2) a white precipitate of mercurous chloride
(Hg-1, valency of mercury is 1) is obtained. In this reaction the valency of mercury
(mercury Hg) changes to 2 (in mercuric chloride, HgCl2) It reduces to 1 (in mercurous
chloride, Hg2Cl2), hence mercuric chloride is reduced
2HgCl2+ SnCl2 Hg2Cl2 + SnCl4 (Reduction of mercuric
chloride)
(b) When zinc and dilute sulfuric acid are added to the light-yellow solution of ferric
chloride (FeCI3, valency of iron is 3), the colour of the solution becomes light green due to
the formation of ferrous chloride (FeCl2, valency of iron is 2). In this reaction, iron (Fe) is
reduced to valence 3 (in ferric chloride, FeCl3)? (In Ferrous chloride, FeCI2), hence
ferric chloride is reduced.
FeCl3 + H Zn +H2SO4
FeCl2 + HCl (Reduction of ferric chloride)
(5) The process of removing oxygen or reducing its proportion - In chemical reactions, the
process of removing oxygen or reducing its proportion is also called reduction. As-
(a) Copper is obtained by passing hydrogen gas over hot cupric oxide. In this reaction,
copper is obtained after removal of oxygen from cupric oxide, hence cupric oxide is
reduced.
 CuO + H₂ Cu + H₂O (reduction of cupric oxide)
(b) By reacting ferric oxide (Fe₂O3) with carbon monoxide at high temperature, ferrous
oxide (FeO) is obtained. In this reaction, ferric oxide is reduced because due to decrease
in the proportion of oxygen in it, ferrous oxide is formed. [Ferric oxide (Fe₂O 3) has 3
oxygens with 2Fe, but ferrous oxide (FeO) has 1 oxygen with 1 Fe.
Fe₂O3 + CO 2FeO + CO2 (Reduction of ferric oxide)

(6) Process of removal of electro-negative element or group or reduction in its ratio -

Since oxygen is an electro-negative element, hence reduction is also a chemical reaction in
which electro-negative element or group is removed or their ratio decreases. As-
(a) By pouring solution of stannous chloride (SnCl₂) on mercury chloride (0), the metal is
obtained in the form of a shiny liquid. In this reaction, since mercury metal is
obtained by the removal of electro-negative element chlorine from mercury
chloride (Hg2Cl₂), hence reduction of mercury chloride takes place.

Hg2Cl2 + SnCl2 2Hg + SnCl4 (mercurous chloride is reduced)

(b) Ferrous chloride (FeCl2) is formed by adding zinc and dilute sulfuric acid to the light-
yellow solution of ferric chloride (FeCl₂), due to which the solution becomes light green. In
this reaction, ferric chloride is reduced because the proportion of its electronegative
element chlorine decreases. [FeCl₂ has 3C1 with 1Fe but FeCl₂ has 2Cl with 1Fe].
FeCl3 + H Zn +H2SO4
FeCl2 + HCl (Reduction of ferric chloride)
All the above-mentioned activities are reduction reactions, hence in their context reduction
can be defined in an unbiased manner –
Reduction is a chemical reaction which results in the combination of hydrogen or any
other electro-positive element with an element or an increase in the proportion of an
electro-positive element, or a decrease in the valency of an element of a compound, or
in a compound, oxygen or electro-negative element or group is removed or their ratio
increases.
Experimental demonstration of reduction reactions
Experimental demonstration of reduction reactions can be done on the basis of the
following experiments-
(1) Take aqueous solution of potassium permanganate in a test tube. The solution will be
purple in colour. Then Pass dioxide gas. The purple colour of the solution is
destroyed and it becomes colourless. Here sulfur dioxide gas reduces the purple
solution of potassium into colourless solutions of potassium sulphate and magnesium
sulphate. The reaction takes place according to the following equation-
2KMnO4 +2H2O+ 5SO2 K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 2H2SO4
(Reduction of potassium permanganate)
 Reduction of permanganate.
(ii)Take orange-red coloured solution in a test tube of potassium dichromate which can be made
acidic by adding a little dilute sulfuric acid to the solution and added nitrous acid which is
produced by the reaction of sodium nitrate and hydrochloric acid. After stirring for some time,
orange-red solution of nitrous acid potassium dichromate was formed. In this way, the orange-red
coloured solution turns green. Here the reaction is according to the following equation It is as
follows-
K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 +3HNO₂→ K₂SO₄ + Cr2(SO4)3 + 4H2O + 3HNO3

Reducing agents - Reducing agents are those chemical compounds which combine
hydrogen or electro-positive elements with other compounds or increase their ratio or
reduce the valency of electro-positive elements or remove oxygen or electro-negative
elements. Removes an element or group from other compounds or reduces their ratio. In
the above reactions, hydrogen (H₂), hydrogen sulphide (HS), sodium (Na), iron (Fe),
mercury (Hg), zinc and dilute sulfuric acid (Zn+H₂SO₄), stannous chloride (SnCl2)
 carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO₂) etc. are the reducing agents. The reducing
agent will be better understood through the following examples.

Example 1. Hydrogen chloride is obtained as a result of the reaction of hydrogen and

chlorine. In this reaction, since hydrogen combines with chlorine and converts it into
hydrogen chloride, hence hydrogen is a reducing agent.
Reduction

Combination of hydrogen

Hg2 + Cl2 2HCl

Example 2. Sodium chloride is formed as a result of the reaction between sodium metal and
chlorine gas. Here, because sodium combines with chlorine to convert the
electropositive element sodium into sodium chloride, hence sodium is a reducing agent.
Reduction

Combination of electropositive
element Sodium

2Na + Cl2 2NaCl

Example 3. As a result of the reaction between ferric chloride and hydrogen sulphide,
ferrous chloride and hydrochloric acid are obtained and sulfur is precipitated. Here, since
hydrogen sulphide reduces the proportion of electro-negative element chlorine in
ferric chloride (FeCl₁) and reduces it into ferrous chloride (FeCl₂), hence hydrogen
sulphide is a reducing agent.
Decrease in the ratio of
electronegative element Chlorine

2FeCl3 + H2S 2FeCl2 + 2HCl + S

Example 4. On heating mercuric chloride with mercury metal, mercuric chloride is
obtained in the form of fine powder. In this reaction, mercury (Hg) is reduced to mercurous
chloride (Hg2Cl₂, 2 chlorines combined with 2 current) by increasing the proportion of
electropositive element mercury in mercuric chloride (Hg2Cl₂, 2 chlorines combined with 2
current). Hence, mercury is the reducing agent.
Reduction
Increase in the ratio of
electro positive element Mercury

HgCl2 + Hg Hg2Cl2
Example 5. When ferric oxide is heated with carbon monoxide at high temperature, iron is
liberated and carbon dioxide gas is produced. Here, since carbon monoxide removes oxygen
from the oxide and reduces it to iron, hence carbon monoxide is the reducing agent.

Removal of oxygen

Fe2O3+ 3CO 2Fe + 3CO2

 Now tell me -
1. Define reduction in the context of electro-positive elements.
2. What is the definition of reduction in the context of oxygen and hydrogen?
3. What is the process of reducing the valency of an electro-positive element in a
compound called?
4. The process of reducing the proportion of electronegative elements is also called
reduction reaction. Explain this with an example.
5. What is called Reduction? Explain this with two examples.
6. Select the reducing agent in the following reactions -
(1) 2H₂S+ SO2H₂O+3S.
(ii) PbS+40, PbSO₄ +4O3
(iii) Hg21Cl2 + SnCl₂→ 2HgCl + SnCl4
(iv) Br2 + H2O + HNO2 2HBr + HNO3

Chemical compounds that act as both oxidizing and reducing agents:

Some chemical compounds act as both oxidizing and reducing agents. Examples are as
follows-
(1) Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂), (ⅱ) Hydrogen Peroxide (H 2O2 (iii) Ozone (O2) (iv) Nitrous acid.
(HNO3) etc.
(i) Sulfur dioxide (SO2) -
(a) Oxidation properties
Sulphur Dioxide turns hydrogen sulphide into sulphur.
2H2S+ SO2 2H2O+3S
(b) Reducing property –
Sulfur reduces Ferric chloride solution into ferrous chloride.

2FeCl + 2H₂O + SO2 2FcCI2 + H2SO4 + 2HCl

(ii) Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O2) –
(a) Oxidizing agent
Hydrogen Peroxide oxidizes potassium iodide into iodine.
2KI +H2O2 KOH + I2
(b) Reducing Property-
Hydrogen peroxide reduces lead peroxide into lead monoxide.
PbO2 + H2O2 PbO + H2O + O2
(iii) Ozone (03) –
(a) Oxidizing properties
Ozone oxidizes lead sulphate.
PbS + 4O3 PbSO4 + 4O2
(b) Reducing property:
Ozone adds hydrogen peroxide to water.
H2O2 + O3 H2O + 2O2
(iv) Nitrous acid (HNO.) –
(a) Oxidizing properties –
Nitrous acid oxidizes hydrogen sulphide into sulphur.
H2S + HNO3 H2O + 2NO + S
(b) Reducing property –
Nitric acid reduces bromine into hydrobromic acid.
Br2 + H2O + HNO2 HBr + HNO3
Oxidation and reduction reactions always take place simultaneously.
After examining the given oxidation-reduction reactions, it will become clear that
oxidation and reduction reactions always occur simultaneously.
Example 1. In the reaction between cupric Oxide and Hydrogen, oxygen gets removed from
Cupric Oxide and hence it is reduced. Here Hydrogen combines with oxygen and turns into
water. Hence it is oxidized. Here both oxidation and reduction processes are taking place
simultaneously.
Reduction
Removal of oxygen
CuO + H2 Cu + H2O

Combination of oxygen
Oxidation

Example 2. In the reaction of hydrogen sulphide and chlorine, chlorine combines with
hydrogen and gets transformed into hydrochloric acid, hence its reduction takes place.
Since sulfur is released after removal of hydrogen from hydrogen sulphide, hydrogen
sulphide is oxidized. Here also both the processes of oxidation and reduction are happening
simultaneously.
Oxidation
Removal of Hydrogen

H2S + Cl2 2HCl + S

Combination of hydrogen
Reduction

Example 3. As a result of the reaction of mercurous chloride and stannous chloride,

mercury metal is liberated and stannous chloride is formed. In this reaction, after the
removal of electronegative element chlorine from mercury chloride, mercury metal is
obtained, hence reduction of mercury chloride occurs. Its type is stannous chloride
(SnCl2); A tin (Sn) combined with two electro-negative elements. As a result of increase in
the proportion of electronegative element chlorine, Stannous Chloride (SnCl2), one tin (Sn)
is combined with four electronegative element Chlorine, thus oxidizing stannous chloride.
Here also both oxidation and reduction processes are taking place simultaneously.
oxidation
Increase in electro-negative element chlorine

Hg2Cl2 + SnCl2 2Hg + SnCl4

Removal of electro-negative element chlorine

Reduction
Example 4. When solution of stannous chloride is added to mercuric chloride solution,
mercurous chloride and stannic chloride are obtained as a precipitate. In this reaction,
since the increase in the ratio of mercuric chloride [HgCl2, two CIs combined with an
electropositive mercury (Hg) metal] to electropositive mercury (Hg) results in the
formation of mercurous chloride [Hg-CI, two electro- Positive mercury (Hg) combines with
the metal and hence mercuric chloride is reduced. Similarly, as a result of increasing the
proportion of electronegative element chlorine in stannous chloride [SnCl₂, one tin (Sn)
combined with two electronegative elements chlorine], Stannic chloride [SnCl₂, one tin (Sn)
combined with four electronegative elements chlorine] Joint] is formed, hence stannous
chloride is deoxidized. Here also both oxidation and reduction processes are happening
simultaneously.
Reduction
Increase in the ratio of electro positive element Hg

2HgCl2 + SnCl2 Hg2Cl2 + SnCl4

Increase in the ratio of electro negative element chlorine

Oxidation
Example 5. By reacting bromine water with nitrous acid, hydrobromic acid and nitric acid
are obtained. In this reaction, since bromine combines with hydrogen to form hydro-
bromic acid, bromine is reduced. Similarly, as a result of increase in the proportion of
oxygen in nitrous acid (HNO₂), nitric acid (HNO3) is formed, hence nitrous acid is oxidized.
Thus, here also both oxidation and reduction processes are taking place simultaneously.
Reduction
Combination of hydrogen

2Br + H2O + HNO2 2HBr + HNO3

Increase in the ratio of oxygen

Oxidation
In oxidation-reduction reactions, oxidizing and reducing agents always remain present
together.
From the review of oxidation-reduction reactions, it will become clear that in any oxidation-
reduction reaction, both oxidizing agent and reducing agent are always present together. For
example-
Example 1. As a result of the reaction between zinc oxide and carbon, let us consider the
formation of zinc and carbon monoxide. It will be clear to us that since carbon removes
oxygen from zinc oxide and converts it into zinc, hence carbon is a reducing agent.
Similarly, since zinc oxide adds oxygen to carbon and converts it into carbon monoxide,
hence zinc oxide is an oxidant.

ZnO + C Zn + CO
Zinc oxide Carbon Carbon monoxide
(Oxidising agent) (Reducing agent)

Thus, in the oxidation-reduction reaction, both the oxidizing agent (ZnO) and the reducing
agent (C) are present together.
Example 2. The formation of hydrochloric acid and sulfur as a result of the reaction of
hydrogen sulphide and chlorine is an oxidation-reduction reaction. In this reaction, since
 chlorine removes hydrogen from hydrogen sulphide and converts it into sulphur, hence it
is an oxidant. Similarly, since hydrogen sulphide adds hydrogen to chlorine and converts it
into hydrochloric acid, hence it is a reducing agent. In this oxidation-reduction reaction
also both the oxidizing agent (Cl2) and the reducing agent (H2S) are present together.

H2S + Cl2 S + 2HCl

Example 3. As a result of the reaction between ferric chloride and hydrogen sulphide,
ferrous chloride and hydrochloric acid are formed and sulfur is precipitated. This is also an
oxidation-reduction reaction. In this reaction, since hydrogen sulphide reduces the
proportion of electro-negative element chlorine in ferric chloride and reduces it to ferrous
chloride, hence H2S is a reducing agent. Similarly, since ferric chloride removes hydrogen
from hydrogen sulphide and oxidizes it into sulphur, hence ferric chloride is an oxidising
agent.

FeCl3 + H2S FeCl2 + HCl + S

Even in the reduction reaction, both the oxidizing agent (FeCl3) and the reducing agent
(H2S) are present together.
Example 4. When burning magnesium ribbon is taken into sulfur dioxide gas, magnesium
oxide is formed and sulfur is released. This is also an oxidation-reduction reaction. In this
reaction, sulfur dioxide combines oxygen with magnesium and converts it into magnesium
oxide, hence sulfur dioxide is an oxidizing agent. Similarly, magnesium removes oxygen
from sulfur dioxide and converts it into sulfur. Hence magnesium is a reducing agent. In
this oxidation-reduction reaction also, both the oxidizing agent (SO₂) and the reducing
agent (Mg) are present together.
2Mg + SO2 2MgO + S
Example 5. As a result of the reaction of mercuric chloride and stannous chloride,
mercurous chloride and stannic chloride are obtained. This is an oxidation-reduction
reaction. In this reaction, stannous chloride as mercuric chloride (HgCl2) is reduced to
mercurous chloride (Hg2Cl2) [due to decrease in valency of electro-positive element
mercury (2 to 1) or increase in its ratio] hence stannous chloride is a reducing agent.
Similarly, mercuric chloride, because the electronegative element of stannous chloride
(SnCl2) increases the proportion of chlorine and oxidizes it into stannic chloride (SnCI 2),
hence mercuric chloride is an oxidizing agent. This oxidation -In the reduction reaction
also, both the oxidizing agent (HgCl2) and the reducing agent (SnCl₂) are present together.

HgCl2 + SnCl2 Hg2Cl2 + SnCl4

summary
Sometimes such reactions are also seen in which two oxygen-causing substances react
with each other and both get denatured. Such reactions are called Mutual Reduction
Reactions. For example, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and ozone (O3) react with each
other, after which hydrogen peroxide (H:O₂) gets decomposed into water (H₂O) and
ozone (O₃) into oxygen (O₂).
 Reduction

H2O2 + O3 H2O + O2

Oxidation

Similarly, in the reaction between chromium trioxide (CrO3) and ozone, chromium trioxide
is decomposed into chromic oxide (Cr₂O7) and ozone itself is decomposed into oxygen.

Reduction

2CrO3 + 3O3 Cr2O3 + 6O2

Reduction

Now tell me-

1. Give an example of a compound which covers both Oxidation and reduction.
2. How will you prove that Oxidation and reduction. always exist together?
3. Explain the oxidising and reducing properties of ozone with examples.
4. Prove that in oxidation-reduction reactions both reducing agents are present together.
5. Give an example of a reaction in which both the reactants are Oxidizing agent.
6. In the following reactions, relate what is being oxidized and what is being reduced.
4HCl + MnO2 MCl2 + H₂O + Cl2
Cl2 + 2H2O + SO₂ H₂SO₄ + 2HCI,
FeCl3 + H FeCl2 + HCL
7. Explain with reasons which reactant in the following reactions. And which is the
reducing agent?
A. Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO2
B. Cr2O3 + 2Al2 2Cr+ Al2O3
C. I2 + H2S 2HI + S
D. 2FeCl3 + H2S 2FeCl2 + 2HCl + S
E. Zn + CuSO4 ZnSO4 + Cu

Definitions of oxidation and reduction in terms of acceptance and loss of electrons based
on electronic theory.
All types of oxidation-reduction reactions cannot be explained by the definitions given
above. Initially, Dalton called the smallest particle of an element as an atom, but as a
result of the efforts of modern scientists, it became known that atoms are also made up of
microscopic fundamental particles, that is, atoms also have a structure. Aspects of
knowing the electronic configuration of elements and knowing that the electrons present
in the outermost orbit of an element, which are called valence electrons, are
indicative of the properties of that element. The definition of oxidation-reduction reaction
was given afresh.
 Now we know that in the formation of electrovalent or ionic compounds, there is an
exchange of electrons. Hence, electro covalent or in the case of ionic compounds, their
decomposition reactions are explained on the basis of exchange of electrons.

Thus, in the context of ionic compounds, the definition of oxidation and reduction
reactions has been given in a systematic manner on the basis of the process of separation
and acceptance of electrons.
(1) Oxidation: - Oxidation is a chemical reaction in which an atom or ion gives up one or
more electrons.
(ii) Reduction - Reduction is a chemical reaction in which an atom or ion accepts one or more
electrons.
In any chemical reaction, oxidation and reduction always occur
simultaneously. If anyone atom or ion among the given atoms or ions is oxidized,
then at the same time the other atom or ion is denatured. In other words, we can do
it in this way that if an atom or ion gives up electrons in a chemical reaction, then
at the same time another atom or ion accepts those same electrons. Those reactions
in which both reduction and oxidation occur simultaneously are called redox
reactions. Therefore, those reactions in which both loss and gain of electrons occur
are called redux reactions.
(1) Oxidizing agent – Oxidizing agents are those substances which have the tendency to gain
electrons, such as chlorine (CI), potassium permanganate (KMnO4), mercuric chloride
(HgCl₂) etc.
(1) Reducing agent - Reducing agents are those substances which have the tendency to lose
electrons, such as hydrogen (H₂), hydrogen sulphide (HS). Ferrous chloride (FeCl₂), Stannous
chloride (SnCl₂), Ferrous sulphate (FeSO4) etc.
In the context of the process of acceptance and loss of electrons,
gaining knowledge of oxidation and reduction reactions and the correct
information about the oxidants which have the tendency to gain electrons and the
reducing substances which have the tendency to lose electrons will be better
understood through the following examples -
Example 1. As a result of the reaction between sodium metal and chlorine gas. Sodium
chloride is formed.
2Na+ Cl2 2NaCI
On the basis of electronic theory, this reaction can be explained in the following way –
The sodium atom (Na, electronic configuration, 2.8.1) gives up one electron to form sodium
ion, Na" (2, 8). The chlorine atom (Cl, electronic configuration, 2.8.7) accepts the electron
given up by sodium. It is absorbed and converted into chloride ion, I (2.8.8). In this reaction,
sodium gives up an electron. The action is oxidation and the action of chlorine accepting
electrons is reduction. Hence, here both oxidation and reduction reactions are happening
simultaneously.
Sodium ion (Na+) and chloride ion (Cl-) join together by electrostatic force of attraction to
form sodium chloride molecule.
Na Na+ + e (electron) (Oxidation)
Cl + e Cl- (Reduction)
In short, the above reaction can be expressed as follows-
Loss of one electron
Oxidation
Na + Cl Na+ + Cl-
2,8,1 2,8,7 2,8 2.8.8
 Reduction
Gain of one electron

In this reaction, since chlorine has the ability to accept electrons, it is an oxidizing agent
and sodium has a tendency to lose electrons, hence it is a reducing agent.
In any chemical reaction, any element will give up an electron only when another element
accepting it is present in the reaction region. That is, in any oxidation-reduction reaction both the
oxidizing agent and the reducing agent are present together.
Example 2. Magnesium oxide is formed when magnesium is burnt in oxygen gas.
2Mg + O2 2MgO
Magnesium Oxygen Magnesium oxide
The magnesium atom (Mg electronic configuration, 2,8,2) loses two electrons to form
magnesium ion, Mg (2, 8). The oxygen atom (0, electronic configuration, 2, 6) accepts both
the electrons given up by magnesium to form the oxide ion, O (2, 8). These two ions join
together by electrostatic force of attraction and form magnesium oxide molecule. In this
reaction, since magnesium is giving up two electrons, it is being oxidized and oxygen is
accepting those two given up electrons. Hence, it is being reduced.
Thus, both oxidation and reduction processes are happening simultaneously here.

Mg Mg+ + + 2e Electron) (oxidation)

--
O + 2e O (Reduction)
++ --
Mg + O Mg O
Or 2Mg + O2 2Mg+O- -
In short, the above reaction can be expressed as follows-
Loss of two electrons
Oxidation
Mg + O Mg+ + + O- -
2.8.2 2.6 2,8 2,8
Reduction
Gain of two electrons
In this reaction, oxygen has the ability to accept electrons. Therefore, it is an oxidant
and since magnesium has the ability to give up electrons, it is a reducing agent. In this
oxidation-reduction reaction, both oxidising agent and reducing agent are present
together.
Example 3. Iron and sulfur combine to form ferrous sulphide. Do
Fe + S FeS
Iron sulphur ferrous sulphide
In this reaction, iron (Fe, electronic configuration 2.8.14.2) gives up two electrons and
transforms into ferrous ion, Fe (2.8.14), hence it is oxidized. Similarly, sulfur (S. Electronic
configuration 2.8.6) accepts both the electrons given up by iron and forms sulphide ion, S
(2.8.8), hence it is reduced. These two ions remain connected by the force of electrostatic
attraction. Thus, here also both oxidation and reduction processes are taking place
simultaneously.
Fe Fe+ + + 2e (electrons) (oxidation)
S+ 2e S- - (reduction)
++ --
Fe + S Fe S
In short, the above reaction can be expressed as follows –
Oxidation
Loss of two electrons
 Fe + S Fe+ + + S- -
2,8,14,2 2,8,6 2,8,14 2,8,8
Gain of two electrons
Reduction

Here, sulfur has a tendency to accept electrons, hence it is an oxidizing agent and iron
has a tendency to lose electrons, hence it is a reducing agent. Here also both oxidant
and reducing agent are present together.
Example 4. By adding a piece of zinc metal to copper sulphate solution, zinc sulphate is
formed and copper metal is precipitated.
Zn + CuSO4 ZnSO4 + Cu
Zinc copper sulphate zinc sulphate copper
Copper Sulphate is made up of copper ion (Cu ) and sulphate ion (SO4- -)
++

And zinc oxide is from zinc sulphate (Zn+ +) and sulphate ion (SO4- -). Hence, the above reaction
can also be expressed in the form-
Zn + Cu+ +SO4- - + Cu
In this reaction Zinc (Zn) (Electronic configuration 2,8,18,2) is oxidized by giving up two
electrons into zinc ion (Zn+ + 2,8,18)
Similarly, copper gets reduced to metal (Cu+ +) (electronic configuration 2.8.18.1) by accepting
both the electrons from zinc ion
Zn Zn+ + + 2e
Cu+ + + 2e Cu
++
Zn + Cu Zn+ + + Cu
Sulphate ion does not oxidise easily; hence it remains as it is in the reaction. The above reaction
without So4- - ion can be briefly expressed as follows-
Oxidation
Loss of two electrons
Zn + Cu+ + Zn+ + + Cu
Gain of two electrons
Reduction
In this reaction, zinc (Zn) has a tendency to lose electrons, hence it is a reducing agent. Similarly,
copper ion has a tendency to accept electrons. Hence it is an oxidant. Here also both oxidising
agent and reducing agent together is present
Example 5. By passing chlorine gas in ferrous chloride solution, ferric chloride is obtained.
2FeCl2 + Cl2 2FeCl3
Ferrous Chloride chlorine ferric chloride
In this reaction, ferrous ion (Fe+ + electronic configuration 2.8.14) gives up one electron and
transforms into ferric ion, (Fe+ + + electronic configuration 2.8.13). Chlorine (Cl, electronic
configuration 2,8,7) accepts the electron given up by the ferrous ion and changes into chloride
ion, (Cl-, electronic configuration, 2,8,8). Here ferrous ion is oxidized and chlorine is reduced.
Thus, both the activities take place simultaneously.
Fe Fe+ + + + e (Electron) (Oxidation)
-
Cl + e Cl (Reduction)
Fe+ + + Cl Fe+ + + + Cl-
This oxidation-reduction reaction can be briefly summarized as-
Loss of one electron
Oxidation
Fe+ + + Cl Fe+ + + + Cl-
2,8,14 2,8,7 2,8,13 2,8,8
Gain of one electron
Reduction
In this reaction, since ferrous ion has a tendency to lose electrons, it is a reducing agent.
Similarly, since chlorine has the tendency to accept electrons, it is an oxidant. Thus, in this

oxidation-reduction reaction, both oxidising agent and reducing agent are simultaneously
present.
Example 6. Mercuric chloride and stannous chloride react to form mercurous chloride and
stannic chloride.
2HgCl2 + SnCl2 Hg2Cl2 + SnCl4
Mercuric chloride Stannous chloride Mercurous chloride stannic chloride
In this reaction, stannous ion (Sn ) is transformed into stannic ion (Sn+ +++) by giving up two
++

electrons. Two mercuric ions (Hg+ +) accept two electrons to form mercury ion (Hg2+ +). Here
stannous ion is deoxidized and mercuric ion is reduced. Here also both oxidation and reduction
processes occur simultaneously.
Sn+ + Sn+ + + + + 2e
2Hg+ + + 2e Hg2+ +
Sn+ ++ 2Hg+ + Sn+ + + + + Hg2+ +
This oxidation-reduction reaction can be briefly expressed in the following-
Loss of two electron
Oxidation
Sn+ + + 2Hg Sn+ + + + + Hg2++
Gain of two electron
Reduction
In this reaction, since stannous ion has the ability to sacrifice electrons. Hence it is reducing
agent. Similarly, since mercuric ion has the ability to accept electrons, it is an oxidant. Here also
both oxidising and reducing agent are present together.

Summary

The process of taking gas is an oxidation reaction. In the process of breathing, the oxygen in the
air oxidises the molecules of the cells of our body. As a result of the process of oxidation, carbon
dioxide gas is produced which we exhale through the nose during exhalation.
We see combustion in many activities in our daily life. Like burning of wood or coal, lantern or
wax ink Burning of gas in stove etc. All these processes are responsible for the process of
oxidation. 2. The reason for the green grass turning yellow in winter is the process of oxidation
which is carried out by the action of hydrogen.

Difference between oxidation and reduction

Oxidation Reduction

1. Hydrogen is separated in it. 1. Hydrogen combines in this

2 Oxygen is combined in it.
3. The proportion of electro-negative component increases in it.
4. The proportion of electro-positive component decreases in it.
5. Electro-positive valency increases in it. of components
6. There is loss of electrons in it.
2. Dissociation of oxygen takes place in it.
3. There is a decrease in electro-negative component ratio.
4. The proportion of electro-positive component increases
in it.
5 In this the valence of the electro-positive element
increases.
6. Electrons are gained (g) in this.

Therefore, Loss of electron: Oxidation

Gain of electron: Reduction
Difficulties in explanation Oxidation-reduction reactions based on electronic theory
In the chapter on chemical bonding, we have seen that only in the formation of ionic or
electrovalent compounds, the combination of elements occurs by transfer of electrons.

Other compounds are such as covalent compounds, in whose formation elements are
combined by sharing of electrons.
Let us investigate the process of forming water by combining hydrogen and oxygen.
H2 + O2 2H2O
Hydrogen oxygen Water
In this, each hydrogen atom shares an electron with one oxygen atom.

The above reaction is an oxidation-reduction reaction, but electronic theory

It cannot be explained on this basis. The reason for this is that it
No atom completely loses or accepts an electron. Similarly, things will become clearer by
examining the process of formation of methane by the combination of carbon and hydrogen.
C + 2H2 CH4
In this, the electron of each hydrogen atom is shared with one electron of the carbon atom.

This is also an oxidation-reduction reaction, but it cannot be explained on the basis of

electronic theory, since in this no atom neither gives up nor gains electrons.
The basis for explaining the oxidation-reduction action of such covalent compounds is the
oxidation number. Oxidation number will be covered in later classes, since it is beyond the
scope of this class.

Now tell me-

1. What is the definition of oxidation and reduction in terms of acceptance and loss of
electrons?
2. Define oxidiser and reducer in terms of acceptance and loss of electrons.
3. What is Redox reaction?
4. In the following reaction, explain with reasons what is oxidized and what is reduced and
also tell which is the oxidizing agent and which is the reducing agent.
2FeCl3 + SnCl₂→ 2FeCl2 + SnCl
5. One element A gives up the electron and the other element B accepts the given electron.
Tell which element is an oxidant and which is a reducing agent.
6. Methane is formed as a result of the combination between carbon and hydrogen. This
Oxidation and reduction in the reaction can be explained on the basis of electronic theory or
not. Give reasons for your answer.

Summary
1. Oxidation - (i) Action of combination with oxygen.
ii) The process of combining with an electro-negative element or group or the process of
increasing their ratio.

(iii) The process of increasing the valency of the electro-positive component.

(iv) Removal of hydrogen or electro-positive elements or reduction in their ratio.
(v) The process of giving up electrons.
2. Oxidising agent - (i) Those chemical compounds which add oxygen or electro-negative
element or group to other substances or increase their ratio
(ii) Which increase the valency of the electro-positive element.
(iii) Which remove hydrogen or electro-positive elements or reduce their ratio.
(iv) Substances which have the ability to accept electrons.
3. Reduction - (i) The process of combining with hydrogen.
(ii) The process of combining with electro-positive elements or increasing their ratio.
(iii) The process of decreasing valency of electro-positive element.
(iv) The process of removal of oxygen or electro-negative element or group or reduction in
their ratio.
(v) The process of gaining electrons.
4. Reducing agents - (i) Those chemical compounds which add hydrogen or electro-positive
elements to other substances or increase their ratio.
(ii) Which reduce the valency of the electro-positive element.
(iii) Which remove oxygen or electro-negative element or group or reduce their ratio.
(iv) Substances which have the ability to donate electrons.
5. Substances which behave as both oxidant and reducing agent. As-
(i) SO2 (ii) HNO2. (iii) H₂O. (iv) O3
6. Both the processes of oxidation and Reduction always happen simultaneously.
7. In oxidation-reduction reaction, both oxidant and reducing agent are present together.
8. Redox reaction.
9. Difficulties in explaining oxidation-reduction reactions on the basis of electronic theory.
oxidation and reduction
Questionnaire
long answer questions
1. Define oxidation and reduction with examples in the context of oxygen and hydrogen and
electro-negative elements or groups and electro-positive elements. [1989 A]
2. Are the processes of oxidation possible in the absence of oxygen and reduction in the
absence of hydrogen? Explain with example.
3. (1) On the basis of electronic theory, define oxidation and reduction in terms of acceptance
and loss of electrons. [DB 1977]
(ii) Mention, as an example, a substance which behaves as both an oxidant and a reducing
agent. [Board Model]
4. (1) What is oxidation?
(u) Explain oxidation with the help of three examples. [1971 S. 72 A. 75]
5. With the help of two examples, explain that oxidation and reduction always occur
simultaneously. [DB 1978)]
6. On burning magnesium in chlorine, magnesium chloride is formed -
Mg + Cl2 MgCl2.
On the basis of electron transfer, tell which one is oxidised and which is reduced.
 [1986 A (Spl.)]
7. In the following reactions, explain with reasons what is being oxidized and what is being
reduced -

(i) C +H2O CO + H (ii) H2S + Cl2 2HCl + S

8. The equation of a chemical reaction is as follows-
H2S + I2 2HI + S
In this, select the oxidant and reducing agent giving reasons. [AISB 1979]
1. "Oxidation does not occur without reduction." Explain this statement with two examples.
[1976]
10. (1) Write the names of an oxidizer, a reducer and a substance which is both an oxidizer
and a reducing agent.
(ⅱ) Give one example of the reactions taking place by each reagent in the above and express
them through equations. (1972 A, 75 A)
, The atom of an element 'A' has 2 electrons in its outermost orbit and it has 2 electrons in the
outermost orbit of the atom of element 'B'.
11 whose atom has 7 electrons in its outermost orbit. By this combination compound AB is
formed. This compound dissolves in water and becomes a good conductor of electricity.
Giving reasons, explain the nature of the bond in the compound and write the name of the
element being oxidized [AISS 1978]
short answer questions
1. On the basis of electronic theory, explain with an example why oxidant is necessary for the
process of oxidation. [Board Model]
2. Show through a reaction that the processes of oxidation and reduction always occur
simultaneously. (1991 A, [Board Model]
3. Prove with two examples that the processes of oxidation and reduction always occur
simultaneously. [1995 S]
4. Why are we not able to explain the oxidation-reduction of covalent compounds on the
basis of electronic theory? What is the basis of his explanation? [1981 At(spl.)]
Cu + H2O CuO + H2
5.Explain with reason whose agent has been reduced in the above-mentioned equation.
[1982 A]
6. In the formation of a compound AB, element A gives up two electrons and H accepts both
those electrons. Tell which element is being exploited and which is being degraded.
7. What is called oxidising agent? Explain with an example the process of oxidation by
oxidizing agents. (1972 4)
8. An element X forms a chloride XCl.On the basis of gain and loss of electrons, tell which
atoms are oxidized and which are reduced. [AISS 1977)]
1. On the basis of electronic theory, give the definition of oxidizing agent and reducing agent
with examples. [1986 SCSpL]
10. The electronic configuration of two elements is as follows-
A-1s2 2s2 2p5 B-1s2 2s2 2p6 3s1
If these two elements combine, which of them would be oxidized and which would be
degraded [DB 1956]
11. In the following redox reaction –
A2+ + B B2+ + A [AISS 1983]
Select the oxidizing and reducing substance.
12. Write the equations of one oxidizing and one reducing reaction of H₂O. [1995 A]
 13. An element M forms a chloride MCI. On the basis of gain of electrons, tell which
element is oxidized and which is reduced. [1996 A]
Objective questions
(A) Several answers have been given to the following questions out of which only one is
correct or most appropriate. After writing the serial numbers of the papers in your answer
book, write the number of the correct or appropriate answer next to them -
1. Which of the following is both an oxidant and a reducing agent?
(1) H₂O, (ii) KClO3, (iii) KMnO4, (iv) H2S
2. In the chemical equation SnCl2 + Cl₂→ SnCl4 [1986 A]
(i) SnCl2 is oxidising agent
(ii) Cl is an oxidant
(iii) Cl is the reducing agent
(iv) Cl is both an oxidant and a reducing agent.
3. Which of the following is not an oxidation-reduction reaction? [1985 S]
(i) Zn + H2SO4 ZnSO4 + H₂
(ii) 2Na+ Cl₂→ 2NaCI
(i) NaNO3 + H₂SO₄ → NaHSO4 + HNO3
(iv) 2FeCl2 + Cl₂→ 2FeC13 [1984 A]

4. Which of the following shows reducing properties?

(i) H2SO4 (ii) H2S (iii) Cl₂ (iv)HNO3
[1985 A(Spl.)]
3. Reduction is a chemical reaction in which
(1) Electron is sacrificed
(ii) Oxygen is combined
(iii) The proportion of electro-negative groups increases
(iv) Electron is accepted [1983 A]
6. Reduction is a chemical reaction in which
(1) Electron is sacrificed
(ii) Electron is accepted
(iii) There is neither loss nor acceptance of electron.
(iv) None of the above [1982 A)
1. Reducing substances are substances in which
(1) There is a tendency to accept electrons
(ii) There is a tendency to lose electrons
(iii) There is a tendency to take oxygen from another compound
(iv) There is a tendency to increase the proportion of electro-positive elements in other
compounds [1981S]
8. Oxidizers are those substances which
(1) There is a tendency to lose electrons
(ii) There is a tendency to accept electrons
(iii) There is no tendency to lose or gain electrons.
(iv) None of the above is correct

9. Which of the following reactions is not an oxidation-reduction reaction?

(1) H2 + Cl2 2HCI
(0) CaCO3 + 2HCl CaCl₂ + CO₂ + H2O
(m) Zn + H₂SO4 ZnSO4 + H2
(iv) 2Na + Cl2 2NaCI [1995 A]

(B) Write the serial numbers of the marked papers in front of them in your answer book.
Write the words to be filled in the blank spaces [1986 A]
1.The proportion of hydrogen in reduction is_____ goes. [1985 A (Spl.)]
2. Ratio of oxygen in the process of oxidation is _______.
3. The process of giving up electrons is called________. (1982 A (Spl.), 90 SJ
4. In the process of reduction, the proportion of oxygen is _______. [1982 A]
5. Basis of explanation of oxidation-reduction reactions is ________ of co-valent compounds
[1981 A]
6. In Oxidising agent loss of electrons is ____________ [1981 A (SpL]
7. KMnO4 is a __________ substance.
8. Hydrogen Sulphide is _________

Answers to objective questions:

(A) 1. (1); 2. (0); 3. (ii); 4. (n); 5. (iv), 6. (1), 7. (0), &. (0); 9. (0)
(B) 1. Increase, 2. Increase, 3. Oxidation, 4. Reduction, 5. Oxidation-number, eclipse,
7. Oxidising, 8. Reducer.