Chemistry
Explain the terms 'oxidation' and reduction' with reference to an atom or ion.
Answer
Oxidation — It is the process when an atom or ion loses one or more electrons i.e, X - 1e- ⟶ X1+
For example,
Na - 1e- ⟶ Na1+
Zn - 2e- ⟶ Zn2+
S2- - 2e- ⟶ S
Reduction — It is the process when an atom or ion gains one or more electrons i.e, Y + 1e- ⟶ Y1-
For example,
S + 2e- ⟶ S2-
Cu2+ + 2e- ⟶ Cu
Fe3+ + 1e- ⟶ Fe2+
Related Questions
What is meant by the term 'electrovalency'. State why Na [at. no. 11] has a electropositive valency of +1 and Cl (at. no. 17) an electronegative valency of -1.
State which of the following are oxidation reactions and which are reduction reactions.
(a) (i) Cu ⟶ Cu2+ + 2e-
(ii) Cu2+ + 2e- ⟶ Cu
(iii) Sn4+ + 2e- ⟶ Sn2+
(iv) 2Cl- ⟶ Cl2 + 2e-
(v) Fe2+ ⟶ Fe3+ + 1e-
(vi) X + 2e- ⟶ X2-
(vii) Y - 1e- ⟶ Y1+
(viii) Z3+ + 1e- ⟶ Z2+
(b) (i) Zn ⟶ Zn2+
(ii) S ⟶ S2-
(iii) Sn2+ ⟶ Sn
(iv) Fe2+ ⟶ Fe3+
Explain with the help of :
(i) an ionic equation
(ii) electron dot structural diagram
the formation of the following :
(a) Sodium chloride
(b) Calcium oxide
(c) Magnesium chloride.
(at. nos. Na = 11, Cl = 17, Ca = 20, O = 8, Mg = 12)
State three differences between 'X' and 'X1+' i.e. an atom and an ion.