Problem 11 - Chemistry: The Central Science

Question

(a) What is meant by the term oxidation? (b) On which side of an oxidation half-reaction do the electrons appear? (c) What is meant by the term oxidant? (d) What is meant by the term oxidizing agent?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(a) Oxidation refers to the process in which a species loses one or more electrons, leading to an increase in its oxidation state. (b) In an oxidation half-reaction, electrons appear on the right-hand side. For example: \(Zn\rightarrow Zn^{2+}+2e^-\). (c) An oxidant is a substance that can accept one or more electrons from another species in a redox reaction, promoting oxidation and getting reduced. (d) An oxidizing agent is a substance that causes the oxidation of another species in a redox reaction by accepting electrons. The terms oxidant and oxidizing agent are often used interchangeably.

Step 1: (a) Definition of Oxidation)

Oxidation is the process in which a species (atom, ion, or molecule) loses one or more electrons. This leads to an increase in the oxidation state of the species. The species that undergoes oxidation is called the reducing agent, as it facilitates the reduction process for another species.

Step 2: (b) Side of Electrons in an Oxidation Half-reaction)

In an oxidation half-reaction, the electrons appear on the right-hand side of the reaction. This indicates that the species (on the left-hand side) is losing electrons during the process. Example of an oxidation half-reaction: \(Zn\rightarrow Zn^{2+}+2e^-\)

Step 3: (c) Definition of Oxidant)

The term oxidant refers to a substance (like an atom, ion, or molecule) that has the ability to accept one or more electrons from another species in a redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction. In other words, the oxidant promotes the oxidation process and gets reduced during the reaction.

Step 4: (d) Definition of Oxidizing Agent)

An oxidizing agent is a substance that causes the oxidation of another species in a redox reaction by accepting electrons from the other species. The terms oxidant and oxidizing agent are often used interchangeably, as both refer to a substance that promotes the oxidation process and undergoes reduction during the reaction.