Oxidation-Reduction Reactions

20.
1 The Meaning of
Oxidation and Reduction >
Chapter 20
Oxidation-Reduction
Reactions
20.1 The Meaning of Oxidation

and Reduction
20.2 Oxidation Numbers

20.3 Describing Redox
Equations
1 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

20.1 The Meaning of
Oxidation and Reduction > CHEMISTRY & YOU
Why do you need to wash the bottom

of your car?
Remember: During
winter in cold
climates, salt is often
spread on roads to
lower the freezing
point of water and
thereby prevent the
buildup of slippery ice.
20.1 The Meaning of What Are Oxidation and
Oxidation and Reduction > Reduction?
What Are Oxidation and Reduction?

What happens to a substance that
undergoes oxidation?
What happens to a substance that
undergoes reduction?

• The combustion of gasoline in an

automobile engine and the burning of
wood in a fireplace are reactions that
require oxygen as they release
energy.
• The reactions that break down food in
your body and release energy use
oxygen from the air you breathe.
Oxygen and Redox

When methane (CH4), the main
component of natural gas, burns in air,
it oxidizes and forms oxides of carbon
and hydrogen.
• One oxide of carbon is carbon dioxide, CO2.
CH4(g) + 2O2(g) → CO2(g) + 2H2O(g)

Oxygen and Redox

Not all oxidation processes involve burning.
• When elemental iron turns to rust, it slowly
oxidizes to compounds such as iron(III)
oxide (Fe2O3).
4Fe(s) + 3O2(g) → 2Fe2O3(s)

Oxygen and Redox

Not all oxidation processes involve burning.
• Common liquid household bleach contains
sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), a substance
that releases oxygen, which oxidizes stains
to a colorless form.
• Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) also releases
oxygen when it decomposes. It is both a
bleach and a mild antiseptic that kills bacteria
by oxidizing them.
Oxygen and Redox

A process called reduction is the opposite
of oxidation.
• Originally, reduction meant the loss of
oxygen from a compound.

Oxygen and Redox

The reduction of iron ore to metallic iron
involves the removal of oxygen from
iron(III) oxide.
• The reduction is accomplished by heating the
ore with carbon, usually in the form of coke.
2Fe2O3(s) +3C(s) → 4Fe(s) + 3CO2(g)
Iron(III) Carbon Iron Carbon
oxide dioxide

Oxygen and Redox

The reduction of iron also includes an
oxidation process.
2Fe2O3(s) +3C(s) → 4Fe(s) + 3CO2(g)
oxide dioxide
• As iron(III) oxide is reduced to iron by losing

oxygen, carbon oxidizes to carbon dioxide by
gaining oxygen.

Oxygen and Redox

The reduction of iron also includes an
oxidation process.
2Fe2O3(s) +3C(s) → 4Fe(s) + 3CO2(g)
oxide dioxide
• As iron(III) oxide is reduced to iron by losing

oxygen, carbon oxidizes to carbon dioxide by
gaining oxygen.
• Oxidation and reduction always occur
simultaneously.
Oxygen and Redox

A substance that undergoes oxidation
gains oxygen. A substance that
undergoes reduction loses oxygen.
• No oxidation occurs without reduction,
and no reduction occurs without
oxidation.

Oxygen and Redox

gains oxygen. A substance that
undergoes reduction loses oxygen.
• Reactions that involve the processes of
oxidation and reduction are called
oxidation-reduction reactions.
• Oxidation-reduction reactions are also
known as redox reactions.

Electron Shift in Redox Reactions

The modern concepts of oxidation and
reduction have been extended to include
many reactions that do not even involve
oxygen.
• Redox reactions are currently understood to
involve any shift of electrons between
reactants.

Electron Shift in Redox Reactions

• Oxidation is now defined to mean
complete or partial loss of electrons or
gain of oxygen.
• Reduction is now defined to mean
complete or partial gain of electrons or
loss of oxygen.
Oxidation Reduction
Loss of electrons Gain of electrons
Gain of oxygen Loss of oxygen
Redox Reactions That Form Ions

During a reaction between a metal and a
nonmetal, electrons are transferred from atoms
of the metal to atoms of the nonmetal.
• When magnesium
metal is heated
with the non-metal
sulfur, the ionic
compound
magnesium sulfide
is produced.
heat
Mg(s) + S(s) MgS(s)

• Two electrons are transferred from a
magnesium atom to a sulfur atom.
• The magnesium atoms are made more
stable by the loss of electrons.
• The sulfur atoms become more stable due to
the gain of electrons.
Mg + S → Mg2+ + S 2–
Magnesium Sulfur Magnesium Sulfide

atom atom ion ion
Mg + S → Mg2+ + S 2–

atom atom ion ion
• Because it loses electrons, the magnesium

atom is said to be oxidized to a magnesium ion.
• The sulfur atom gains two electrons and is
reduced to a sulfide ion.

Mg + S → Mg2+ + S 2–

atom atom ion ion
• The overall process is represented as the two
component processes below.
Oxidation: Mg → Mg2+ + 2e– (loss of electrons)
Reduction: S + 2e– → S 2–
(gain of electrons)

A substance that undergoes

oxidation loses electrons.
A substance that undergoes
reduction gains electrons.


• The substance that loses electrons is
the reducing agent.
• The substance that accepts electrons
is the oxidizing agent.


Another way to identify oxidizing and
reducing agents is to remember that the
species that is reduced is the oxidizing
agent, and the species oxidized is the
reducing agent. oxidized
Mg(s) + S(s) → MgS(s)

reduced
Magnesium Sulfur Magnesium
(reducing (oxidizing sulfide
agent) agent)
20.1 The Meaning of
Oxidation and Reduction > Sample Problem 20.1
Identifying Oxidized and

Reduced Reactants
Silver nitrate reacts with copper to
form copper nitrate and silver.
From the equation below,
determine what is oxidized and
what is reduced. Identify the
oxidizing agent and the reducing
agent.
2AgNO3(aq) + Cu(s) → Cu(NO3)2(aq) + 2Ag(s)

20.1 The Meaning of
1 Analyze Identify the relevant concepts.

• Identify the ions in the reaction.
• Then trace how the electrons were
transferred.

20.1 The Meaning of
2 Solve Apply concepts to this situation.
Rewrite the equation in ionic form so it will

be easier to analyze the reaction.
2Ag+ + 2NO3– + Cu → Cu2+ + 2NO3– + 2Ag

In this reaction, two electrons are lost from a
copper atom (Cu) when it becomes a Cu2+ ion.
These electrons are gained by two silver ions (Ag+),
which become neutral silver atoms.

20.1 The Meaning of
2 Solve Apply concepts to this situation.
• The species that loses electrons is

oxidized and is the reducing agent.
• The species that gains electrons is
reduced and is the oxidizing agent.
Oxidation: Cu → Cu2+ + 2e– (loss of electrons)

Reduction: 2Ag+ + 2e– → 2Ag (gain of electrons)
The Cu is the reducing agent. The Ag+ is the

oxidizing agent.
Redox With Covalent Compounds

Some reactions involve covalent
compounds, that is, compounds in which
complete electron transfer does not occur.
2H2(g) + O2(g) → H2O(l)


• In each reactant hydrogen molecule, the bonding
electrons are shared equally between the hydrogen
atoms.
• In water, however, the bonding electrons are pulled
toward oxygen because it is much more electronegative
than hydrogen.
• Hydrogen is oxidized because it undergoes a partial
loss of electrons.
shift of bonding
H—H O—O H—O electrons away
electrons electrons from hydrogen
and toward
shared
equally
shared
equally H oxygen

• In oxygen, the bonding electrons are shared equally
between oxygen atoms in the reactant oxygen
molecule.
• However, when oxygen bonds to hydrogen in the water
molecule, there is a shift of electrons toward oxygen.
• Oxygen is thus reduced because it undergoes a partial
gain of electrons.
H—H O—O H—O shift of bonding

electrons away
electrons electrons from hydrogen
shared
equally
shared
equally H and toward
oxygen

2H2(g) + O2(g) → H2O(l)
• Hydrogen is the
reducing agent
because it is oxidized.
• Oxygen is the
oxidizing agent
because it is reduced. This redox reaction is highly
exothermic—that is, it releases a
great deal of energy.

In some reactions involving covalent reactants or
products, the partial electron shifts are less
obvious. Processes Leading to Oxidation and Reduction
Oxidation Reduction
Complete loss of electrons Complete gain of electrons
(ionic reactions) (ionic reactions)
Shift of electrons away from Shift of electrons toward an
an atom in a covalent bond atom in a covalent bond
Gain of oxygen Loss of oxygen
Loss of hydrogen by a Gain of hydrogen by a
covalent compound covalent compound
Decrease in oxidation
Increase in oxidation number
number
20.1 The Meaning of
The element that donates electrons in

a redox reaction is called the reducing
agent. Which of the following is always
true of the reducing agent?
A. It is oxidized.
B. It is reduced.
C. It is ionic.
D. It is covalent.
20.1 The Meaning of
The element that donates electrons in

a redox reaction is called the reducing
agent. Which of the following is always
true of the reducing agent?
A. It is oxidized.
B. It is reduced.
C. It is ionic.
D. It is covalent.
20.1 The Meaning of
Oxidation and Reduction > Corrosion
Corrosion
How does the presence of salts and
acids accelerate the corrosion of
metals?

20.1 The Meaning of
Iron corrodes by being oxidized by

oxygen to ions of iron.
• Water in the environment accelerates the rate
of corrosion.

20.1 The Meaning of
Iron corrodes by being oxidized by

oxygen to ions of iron.
• Oxygen, the oxidizing agent, is reduced to
oxide ions (in compounds such as Fe2O3) or
to hydroxide ions.
2Fe(s) + O2(g) + 2H2O(l) → 2Fe(OH)2(s)
4Fe(OH)2(s) + O2(g) + 2H2O(l) → 4Fe(OH)3(s)
• Corrosion occurs more rapidly in the
presence of salts and acids.
20.1 The Meaning of
The presence of salts and acids

accelerates corrosion by producing
conductive solutions that make
electron transfer easier.

20.1 The Meaning of
If your car is exposed to salt on the

roads in the winter, why is it important
to wash the salt off your car?

20.1 The Meaning of
If your car is exposed to salt on the

roads in the winter, why is it important
to wash the salt off your car?
Many parts of your car’s body are made of steel,
an iron alloy. The salt can cause the metal to
corrode, or rust, faster than it would otherwise
because when mixed with water, the salt creates
a conductive solution that allows electrons to
transfer more easily.
20.1 The Meaning of
The corrosion of
some metals can
be a desirable
feature.
• The copper on
this building
reacted with water vapor, carbon dioxide, and
other substances in the air to form a patina. This
patina consists of a pale-green film of basic
copper(II) carbonate.
20.1 The Meaning of
Resistance to Corrosion
Not all metals corrode easily.
• Gold and platinum are called noble metals
because they are very resistant to losing
their electrons by corrosion.
• Other metals lose electrons easily but are
protected from extensive corrosion by the
oxide coating formed on their surface.

20.1 The Meaning of
Resistance to Corrosion
Iron(III) Aluminum
oxide Oxygen oxide Oxygen
Iron forms Water Water
Aluminum
a coating oxidizes
when it quickly in
corrodes, air to form
but the a coating
coating of of very
iron oxide that forms is not tightly packed aluminum
tightly packed. Water and air oxide particles. This coating
can penetrate the coating and protects the aluminum object
attack the iron metal beneath it. from further corrosion.
20.1 The Meaning of
Controlling Corrosion
To prevent corrosion, the metal surface
may be coated with oil, paint, plastic, or
another metal.
• These coatings exclude air and water from
the surface, thus preventing corrosion.
• If the coating is scratched or worn away,
however, the exposed metal will begin to
corrode.
20.1 The Meaning of
another metal.
• Painting a surface,
like the Golden
Gate Bridge,
protects it from the
effects of the
environment.
20.1 The Meaning of
another metal.
• Chromium metal also
serves as a protective
coating.
• Like aluminum,
chromium forms a
corrosion-resistant
oxide film on its surface.
20.1 The Meaning of
In another method of corrosion control,
one metal is “sacrificed,” or allowed to
corrode, to save a second metal.
• To protect an iron object, a piece of magnesium may be
placed in electrical contact with the iron.
• When oxygen and water attack the iron object, the iron
atoms lose electrons as the iron begins to be oxidized.
• However, because magnesium is a better reducing
agent than iron, the magnesium immediately transfers
electrons to the iron atoms, preventing their oxidation.
20.1 The Meaning of
In another method of corrosion control,
one metal is “sacrificed,” or allowed to
corrode, to save a second metal.
• Zinc blocks are zinc block
attached to the steel
(iron) hull of this ship.
The zinc blocks
oxidize (corrode)
instead of the iron,
preventing the hull
from corroding.
20.1 The Meaning of
Explain why metal trash cans are

frequently made from zinc-coated
steel.

20.1 The Meaning of
Explain why metal trash cans are

frequently made from zinc-coated
steel.
A trash can made from uncoated steel
would rust if left outside in the rain. The
zinc coating corrodes first, protecting the
steel underneath.

20.1 The Meaning of
Oxidation and Reduction > Key Concepts

gains oxygen or loses electrons, while a
substance that undergoes reduction
loses oxygen or gains electrons.
The presence of salts and acids

accelerates corrosion by producing
conductive solutions that make electron
transfer easier.
20.1 The Meaning of
Oxidation and Reduction > Glossary Terms
• oxidation-reduction reaction: a
reaction that involves the transfer of
electrons between reactants
• oxidation: a process that involves
complete or partial loss of electrons or
a gain of oxygen; it results in an
increase in the oxidation number of an
atom

20.1 The Meaning of
Oxidation and Reduction > Glossary Terms
• reduction: a process that involves a complete

or partial gain of electrons or the loss of
oxygen; it results in a decrease in the
oxidation number of an atom
• reducing agent: the substance in a redox
reaction that donates electrons; in the
reaction, the reducing agent is oxidized
• oxidizing agent: the substance in a redox
reaction that accepts electrons; in the reaction,
the oxidizing agent is reduced

20.1 The Meaning of
Oxidation and Reduction > BIG IDEA
Reactions
• Oxidation-reduction reactions always occur
simultaneously in redox reactions.
• Losing electrons is oxidation.
• Gaining electrons is reduction.
• If oxygen is involved in the reaction, then the
substance gaining oxygen is oxidized, while the
substance losing oxygen is reduced.
• The species that is reduced is the oxidizing agent,
while the oxidized species is the reducing agent.
20.1 The Meaning of
END OF 20.1

Oxidation-Reduction Reactions

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20.

20.1 The Meaning of Oxidation

20.2 Oxidation Numbers

1 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Why do you need to wash the bottom

What Are Oxidation and Reduction?

3 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

• The combustion of gasoline in an

Oxygen and Redox

CH4(g) + 2O2(g) → CO2(g) + 2H2O(g)

Oxygen and Redox

4Fe(s) + 3O2(g) → 2Fe2O3(s)

Oxygen and Redox

Oxygen and Redox

8 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Oxygen and Redox

9 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Oxygen and Redox

• As iron(III) oxide is reduced to iron by losing

10 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Oxygen and Redox

• As iron(III) oxide is reduced to iron by losing

Oxygen and Redox

12 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Oxygen and Redox

13 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Electron Shift in Redox Reactions

14 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Electron Shift in Redox Reactions

Redox Reactions That Form Ions

Redox Reactions That Form Ions

Magnesium Sulfur Magnesium Sulfide

Redox Reactions That Form Ions

Magnesium Sulfur Magnesium Sulfide

• Because it loses electrons, the magnesium

18 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Redox Reactions That Form Ions

Magnesium Sulfur Magnesium Sulfide

19 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Redox Reactions That Form Ions

A substance that undergoes

20 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Redox Reactions That Form Ions

21 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Redox Reactions That Form Ions

Mg(s) + S(s) → MgS(s)

Identifying Oxidized and

23 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

1 Analyze Identify the relevant concepts.

24 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

2 Solve Apply concepts to this situation.

Rewrite the equation in ionic form so it will

2Ag+ + 2NO3– + Cu → Cu2+ + 2NO3– + 2Ag

25 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

2 Solve Apply concepts to this situation.

• The species that loses electrons is

Oxidation: Cu → Cu2+ + 2e– (loss of electrons)

The Cu is the reducing agent. The Ag+ is the

Redox With Covalent Compounds

2H2(g) + O2(g) → H2O(l)

27 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Redox With Covalent Compounds

Redox With Covalent Compounds