Questions: Question 1 Define oxidation, reduction, and oxidation number. Describe how oxidation and reduction affect the oxidation number of an element.

Question 1
Define oxidation, reduction, and oxidation number. Describe how oxidation and reduction affect the oxidation number of an element.

Transcript text: Question 1 Define oxidation, reduction, and oxidation number. Describe how oxidation and reduction affect the oxidation number of an element.

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Define Oxidation

Oxidation is a chemical process in which an atom, ion, or molecule loses electrons. This loss of electrons results in an increase in the oxidation number of the element involved. Oxidation can occur in various chemical reactions, including combustion, respiration, and corrosion.

Step 2: Define Reduction

Reduction is the opposite of oxidation. It is a chemical process in which an atom, ion, or molecule gains electrons. This gain of electrons results in a decrease in the oxidation number of the element involved. Reduction often occurs simultaneously with oxidation in redox reactions.

Step 3: Define Oxidation Number

The oxidation number (or oxidation state) is a theoretical charge assigned to an atom in a molecule or ion, representing the number of electrons lost or gained by the atom. It is used to keep track of electron transfer in redox reactions. The oxidation number can be positive, negative, or zero, depending on the element's electron configuration and its chemical environment.

Step 4: Describe How Oxidation and Reduction Affect Oxidation Number

In a redox reaction, the oxidation number of an element changes as follows:

During oxidation, the oxidation number of an element increases because it loses electrons.
During reduction, the oxidation number of an element decreases because it gains electrons.