Oxidation and Reduction Terminology

Summary

Observational evidence
Chemical explanations

Terminology

Oxidation
Gain of oxygen
Loss of H

Reduction
Loss of oxygen
Gain of H

Loss of electrons
Increase in oxidation
number.

Gain of electrons
Decrease in oxidation
number.

Reducing agents are

oxidized Reducing
agents lose electrons.
Reducing agents are
reductants.

Oxidizing agents are

reduced Oxidising
agents gain electrons.
Oxidizing agents are
oxidants.

Example
Mg(s)
+ 2H+(aq)
Mg(s) loses electrons to form Mg2+(aq)

Mg2+(aq) + H2 (g)
H+(aq) gains electrons to form H2 (g)

Mg(s) is oxidized to Mg2+(aq)

H+(aq) is reduced to H2 (g)

Mg(s) is the reducing agent

H+(aq) is the oxidizing agent

Mg(s) is the reductant

H+(aq) is the oxidant

Examples of redox reactions (electron transfer)

Metal + acid
Metal Displacement reaction in solution
Electrochemical Cells (batteries)
Electrolysis
Oxidation of Metals to metal
oxides (corrosion)
Combustion of organic compounds

Reduction of Metal ores (metal oxides)

to metals

Ammonium dichromate reaction

Ammonium dichromate
(NH4)2Cr2O7(s) Cr2O3(s) + N2(g) + 4H2O (g)
Orange
to
green
ammonium chromate cromium oxide + nitrogen gas + water vapour