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 refers to a chemical reaction where an atom or molecule loses electrons, increasing its oxidation state. This is often associated with the addition of oxygen or removal of hydrogen. (b) In an oxidation half-reaction, electrons appear on the right side, as they are lost by the species being oxidized. (c) An oxidant, or oxidizing agent, is a substance that gains electrons from another species, causing that species to be oxidized. The oxidant itself is reduced in the process, as it accepts the electrons and decreases its oxidation state.

Step 1: (a) Define oxidation

Oxidation is a chemical reaction in which an atom or molecule loses one or more electrons, which leads to an increase in its oxidation state. This process is often associated with the addition of oxygen to a compound or the removal of hydrogen.

Step 2: (b) Identify side of the oxidation half-reaction with electrons

In an oxidation half-reaction, the electrons appear on the right side of the equation. This is because, in an oxidation process, electrons are lost by the species being oxidized, so they will be written as products in the equation.

Step 3: (c) Define oxidant

An oxidant, also known as an oxidizing agent or oxidizer, is a substance that has the ability to accept or gain electrons from another species, causing the other species to be oxidized. In other words, an oxidant is the species responsible for the oxidation process in a redox reaction.

Step 4: (d) Explain the term oxidizing agent

The term oxidizing agent refers to the same concept as an oxidant. An oxidizing agent is a substance that gains electrons from another species, causing that species to be oxidized. The oxidizing agent itself is reduced in the process, as it accepts the electrons and decreases its oxidation state.