Question

What is oxidation and reduction reactions?

Answer 1

OXIDATION

definition - a reaction in which oxygen is added to a compound is called oxidation reaction.

it involves the following -

1) removal of hydrogen from a substance.

2)addition of electronegative element .

3)removal of electropositive element.

4)loss of electrons from an atom or ion

EG - 2Mg + O2 ------> 2MgO

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REDUCTION-

definition - a reaction in which oxygen is removed from the compound is called reduction.

it involves the following -

1)addition of hydrogen to a substance.

2)removal of an electronegative element.

3)addition of electropositive element.

4)gain of electrons by an atom or ion.

EG - CuO + C ----->Cu + CO

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A reaction which undergoes both oxidation and reduction simultaneously is called redox reaction

Answer 2

Oxidation and reduction reactions:-

Oxidation:-

Loss of electron by substance is called oxidation. e.g.,

Na => Na^+ + e^-

2Cl^- => Cl2 + 2e^-

During this reaction, positive valency increases while negative valency decreases.

Reduction:-

Gain of electron by substance is called reduction. e.g.,

Zn^2+ + 2e^- => Zn

Cl2 + 2e^- => 2Cl^-

During this reaction, positive valency decreases while negative valency increases.