Question

How do you tell if a reaction is oxidation or reduction?

Answer 1

Answer:

Oxidation number can play a key role.

Explanation:

Reduction means:

1) gain of electrons

2) gain of hydrogen

3) loss of oxygen

Oxidation means:

1) loss of electrons

2)loss of hydrogen

3)gain of oxygen

To tell if a reaction is oxidation or reduction, you can check the presence of parameters stated above or check the oxidation numbers of the elements.

Usually, an increase of oxidation state from 0 to +1 or +2 to +3 shows oxidation while decrease in oxidation state from +3 to +2 or 0 to -1 shows reduction.