Redox reaction: Difference between revisions
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Added in more information on what a redox reaction is and included an example. |
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A redox reaction is a reaction where the reactants upon reacting, one species becomes [[ | A redox reaction is a reaction where the reactants upon reacting, one species becomes [[Oxidise|oxidised]], whereas another becomes [[Reduce|reduced]]; the two reactions are complementary to each other. It occurs due to the movement of electrons from one species to another. Losing electrons causes oxidation and gaining electrons causes reduction. <br><br>For example, reacting chlorine with potassium iodide forms potassium chloride and iodine:<br> | ||
*Cl<sub>2 </sub>+ 2KI --> 2KCl + I<sub>2</sub> | |||
<br><sup></sup>We can also show this reation in [[Half equations|half equations]], it is easier to see how reduction and oxidation occurs.<br><sub></sub> | |||
*Cl2 + 2e- --> 2Cl- This is reduction as 2 electrons are gained. The chlorine becomes chloride (gains a negative charge). | |||
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*2I- --> I2 + 2e- This is oxidation as 2 electrons are lost. Iodide becomes iodine (no longer has a charge). | |||
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This is also an example of a [[Displacement reaction|displacement reaction]]. Chlorine is more reactive than iodine allowing transfer of electrons.<br><sub></sub><sub></sub> | |||
Revision as of 14:50, 5 December 2017
A redox reaction is a reaction where the reactants upon reacting, one species becomes oxidised, whereas another becomes reduced; the two reactions are complementary to each other. It occurs due to the movement of electrons from one species to another. Losing electrons causes oxidation and gaining electrons causes reduction.
For example, reacting chlorine with potassium iodide forms potassium chloride and iodine:
- Cl2 + 2KI --> 2KCl + I2
We can also show this reation in half equations, it is easier to see how reduction and oxidation occurs.
- Cl2 + 2e- --> 2Cl- This is reduction as 2 electrons are gained. The chlorine becomes chloride (gains a negative charge).
- 2I- --> I2 + 2e- This is oxidation as 2 electrons are lost. Iodide becomes iodine (no longer has a charge).
This is also an example of a displacement reaction. Chlorine is more reactive than iodine allowing transfer of electrons.