🔥Oxidation vs Reduction❄️
Oxidation and reduction always happen together in a redox reaction. The mnemonic OIL RIG keeps the direction of electron flow clear.
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🔥Oxidation
- ✓Loss of electrons by a species
- ✓Oxidation number increases
- ✓Often involves gain of oxygen
- ✓The oxidized species is the reducing agent
- ✓Example: metal rusting
❄️Reduction
- ✓Gain of electrons by a species
- ✓Oxidation number decreases
- ✓Often involves loss of oxygen
- ✓The reduced species is the oxidizing agent
- ✓Example: metal ore being smelted
Verdict
Oxidation and reduction are two halves of the same electron transfer. Whenever one species loses electrons another must gain them, so they are inseparable.
Frequently asked
What does OIL RIG mean?+
Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain of electrons, an easy way to remember redox direction.
Can oxidation happen without reduction?+
No. Electrons lost by one species are always gained by another, so the two occur together.
What is an oxidizing agent?+
A substance that causes oxidation in another by accepting electrons, getting reduced itself.
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