Question

Section 20.1 the meaning of oxidation and reduction answer key

Answer 1

Oxidation is defined as the reaction in which there is loss of electrons. It is accompanied by increase in oxidation number.

`Fe\rightarrow Fe^(2+)+2e^(-)`

Fe being the pure element in its standard state has oxidation number of zero and on loosing electron changes to oxidation number of +2.

Reduction is defined as the reaction in which there is gain of electrons. It is accompanied by decrease in oxidation number.

`Fe^(2+)2e^(-)\rightarrow Fe`

Iron
`(Fe^(2+))` changes from oxidation number of +2 to pure iron [Fe} with oxidation number of zero.

Answer 2

The definitions of oxidation and reduction are quite simple: Oxidation is the loss of electrons, while reduction is the gain of electrons. Oxidation state is increased when it undergoes oxidation, while oxidation state decreases when it undergoes reduction. The short term for these reactions is "redox."