i dun get oxidation/reduction in half equations (1 Viewer)

kooltrainer

New Member
Joined
Jun 17, 2006
Messages
659
Gender
Male
HSC
2008
i no oxidation is loss of electron and reduction is gain.. how do u classify which half equation is oxidation or reduction?

e.g.1 (Mg2+) +( 2e-) ---------->> Mg this is reduction

e.g.2 (Mg) -------->> Mg(2+) + (2e-) this is oxidation..


in the first example, Mg2+ gained 2 electrons so thats "reduction" but the second one also gained...
??????????????????????????????????

i dun get it.. how do u classify which half equation is reduction/oxidation..
thx
 

Forbidden.

Banned
Joined
Feb 28, 2006
Messages
4,436
Location
Deep trenches of burning HELL
Gender
Male
HSC
2007
kooltrainer said:
i no oxidation is loss of electron and reduction is gain.. how do u classify which half equation is oxidation or reduction?

e.g.1 (Mg2+) +( 2e-) ---------->> Mg this is reduction

e.g.2 (Mg) -------->> Mg(2+) + (2e-) this is oxidation..


in the first example, Mg2+ gained 2 electrons so thats "reduction" but the second one also gained...
??????????????????????????????????

i dun get it.. how do u classify which half equation is reduction/oxidation..
thx
In your second example, two electrons have separated from the magnesium.
On the left hand side you have elemental Magnesium.
On the right hand side you have a doubly ionised magnesium with two FREE electrons.
There should be a less active element/compound that has caused Magnesium to oxidise.

In a redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction you must have a reaction that oxidises and one that reduces you can't have one without the other.

Oxidation Is the Loss of electrons (OIL) OR Gaining of oxygen.
Reduction Is the Gain of electrons (RIG) OR Loss of oxygen.

From left-hand side to right hand side.
 

kooltrainer

New Member
Joined
Jun 17, 2006
Messages
659
Gender
Male
HSC
2008
thanks , i get it now.. btw, u happen to no why boredofstudies website is so slow in loading pages? or is it just me.
 

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 0, Guests: 1)

Top