Question

What is an oxidation-reduction reaction? What is transferred during such a reaction?

Short answer

An oxidation-reduction reaction, or redox reaction, is a chemical reaction involving the transfer of electrons between two species. It consists of two half-reactions: oxidation, where a substance loses electrons and acts as a reducing agent, and reduction, where a substance gains electrons and acts as an oxidizing agent. During a redox reaction, electrons are transferred from the species being oxidized (reducing agent) to the species being reduced (oxidizing agent). For example, in the reaction \(2Na + Cl_2 \rightarrow 2NaCl\), sodium loses electrons and is oxidized, while chlorine gains electrons and is reduced, resulting in the formation of sodium chloride.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of Oxidation-Reduction Reaction

An oxidation-reduction reaction, commonly known as a redox reaction, is a chemical reaction that involves the transfer of electrons between two species. It consists of two half-reactions: oxidation and reduction.

Oxidation

Oxidation is the process where a substance loses one or more electrons. This results in an increase in the oxidation state of the substance. The substance that loses electrons is called the reducing agent. Example: In the reaction \(2Na + Cl_2 \rightarrow 2NaCl\), sodium (Na) loses one electron to form sodium ion (Na+). This means that sodium is oxidized and acts as a reducing agent.

Reduction

Reduction is the process where a substance gains one or more electrons. This results in a decrease in the oxidation state of the substance. The substance that gains electrons is called the oxidizing agent. Example: In the reaction \(2Na + Cl_2 \rightarrow 2NaCl\), chlorine (Cl2) gains one electron to form chloride ion (Cl-). This means that chlorine is reduced and acts as an oxidizing agent.

Electron transfer during Oxidation-Reduction Reaction

During a redox reaction, electrons are transferred from the species being oxidized (reducing agent) to the species being reduced (oxidizing agent). Example: In the reaction \(2Na + Cl_2 \rightarrow 2NaCl\), one electron from each sodium atom is transferred to a chlorine atom. As a result, two sodium ions (Na+) and two chloride ions (Cl-) are formed, combining to form sodium chloride (NaCl).