Problem 13 - 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 is a chemical process where a substance loses electrons, resulting in an increase in oxidation state. (b) In an oxidation half-reaction, electrons appear on the right side (product side) of the equation since they are lost by the substance being oxidized. (c) An oxidant, or oxidizing agent, is a substance capable of oxidizing other substances by causing them to lose electrons while itself getting reduced. (d) An oxidizing agent is a substance that causes the oxidation of other substances by accepting or taking their electrons, undergoing reduction in the process.

Step 1: (a) Definition of Oxidation

Oxidation is a chemical process in which a substance loses electrons. In other words, the oxidation state of an element within a compound increases. This process usually involves a transfer of electrons from one atom (being oxidized) to another atom (being reduced). Oxidation is one half of a redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction.

Step 2: (b) Position of Electrons in an Oxidation Half-Reaction

In an oxidation half-reaction, electrons are lost by the substance being oxidized. These electrons appear on the right side (product side) of the half-reaction equation. This is because the atom or compound losing electrons is transformed into a new species, and the released electrons are now considered as separate entities (products).

Step 3: (c) Definition of Oxidant

An oxidant, also known as an oxidizing agent, is a substance that has the ability to oxidize other substances, i.e., cause them to lose electrons. An oxidant gains electrons during this reaction and thus, undergoes reduction itself. It is responsible for removing electrons from another substance while simultaneously getting reduced.

Step 4: (d) Definition of Oxidizing Agent

The term oxidizing agent refers to the same concept as an oxidant. An oxidizing agent is a substance that has the ability to oxidize other substances by accepting or taking their electrons. In other words, it causes the oxidation of other substances while itself getting reduced in the process. Some common examples of oxidizing agents include oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, and halogens such as chlorine and bromine.