Basics of Redox Reaction

Basics of Redox Reaction.

What is the Redox reaction?


A chemical reaction that involves the exchange of electrons between any two species is called a redox reaction (oxidation-reduction). It is a reaction where the oxidation
a number of an ion, atom, or molecule changes either by losing or gaining an electron.

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These reactions are common and important for some basic functions in life such as
respiration, photosynthesis, corrosion, combustion, etc.

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What is Oxidation?


When an ion, atom, or molecule loses electrons during a chemical reaction it is called
an oxidation reaction. This reaction occurs when the oxidation state of an ion, atom, or
molecule is increased.

What is Reduction?


When an ion, atom, or molecule gains electrons during a chemical reaction it is called a
reduction reaction. This reaction occurs when the oxidation state of an ion, atom, or
molecule is decreased.

Redox reaction examples


Formation of hydrofluoric acid by the reaction of hydrogen and fluorine gas. The
reaction is as follows:
H2 + F2
 → 2 HF
Hydrogen is oxidized whereas fluorine is reduced. To understand the reaction better,
divide it into two half-reactions:
H2
 → 2 H+ + 2 e- F2
 + 2 e- → 2 F- 

What are Oxidizers?

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Substances that are responsible to lose electrons of other substances are called
oxidizers. They are able to oxidize substances. They are also known as oxidizers,
oxidants, or oxidizing agents. It is reduced by removing electrons from other substances.
Also, since it accepts electrons it is called an electron acceptor. These chemical
substances include elements of high oxidation state such as H2O, CrO3, etc.
You are reading the "Basics of Redox Reaction".

What are reducers?


Substances that are responsible to gain electrons of other substances are called
reducers. They are able to reduce substances. They are also known as reducers,
reductants or reducing agents. It is oxidized by transferring electrons to other
substances. Also, since it donates electrons it is called an electron donor. Some
examples of reducing agents are sodium, zinc, lithium, aluminium, etc.
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