CHEMISTRY GUIDE

Topic 2.4 OXIDATION AND REDUCTION 1.       Simple half-equations In inorganic chemistry, oxidation and reduction are best defined in terms of electron transfer. Oxidation is the loss of electrons . When a species loses electrons it is said to be oxidised. Eg                    Na à Na + + e (each sodium atom loses one electron)                         2I - à I 2 + 2e (each iodide ion loses one electron, so two in total)             Reduction is the gain of electrons . When a species gains electrons it is said to be reduced. Eg         ...