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| Oxidation Reactions Commonly Known as Oxidation Reduction Reactions |
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Oxidation reactions are known in the chemistry world as Redox or oxidation reduction reactions. They tend to have a lot of common traits to acid based reactions. This type of oxidation reaction is included in the family of reactions that have the ability to transfer electrons between species. They are similar to acid based reductions because they do not have an oxidation reaction without a reduction taking place at the same time. The term, oxidation is described as the loss of electrons. On the other hand, reduction reactions refer to the gaining of electrons. While the complete reaction together is a reduction reaction, each by themselves is only a half reaction. In order for a complete reduction reaction to take place, both parts need to happen.
A good example of a half oxidation reaction is in solid copper that has no charge. When it is oxidized or electrons are taken away, it produces a copper ion with a plus two charge. In this type of oxidation reactions there is a balance between both sides. There is one common copper atom on either side, as well as the charges be equally balanced. In this reaction process, the symbol 'e' is representing a free radical that has a negative charge. This free radical can in turn go and reduce another compound or substance, as stated within a half reduction.
When working with redox reactions there must be some prior knowledge of the oxidation number of a substance. This number is measured effective charge on the atom in the substance. When this number is increased it leads to oxidation reactions and when is reduced it is known as a reduction reaction. When the oxidation number in the atom is known, then it is more able to be determined if the compound can be oxidized or reduced, or to if it can serve as a reducing agent or an oxidizing agent. The term oxidation is determined to assume it has an oxidation number of -2. This is the standard by which all other oxidation numbers for other compounds are given out.
When a substance is said to be oxidative, they have the capability of causing an oxidation reaction with other substances, more commonly known as oxidizing agents or oxidants and oxidizers. These oxidants are able to take electrons from other substances, when this takes place they, themselves are reduced. It also has the ability to receive electrons as well. This is more widely known as being an electron acceptor.
all compounds or substances that are able to reduce other substances are known to be reductive or are reducing agents. These reductants or reducers are able to transfer electrons to another compound or substance, When this takes place, these substances go through an oxidation reaction of their own. They can also be known as electron donors because they give away their electrons to other substances. When a substance is reductive, it can also be called electropositive. One other commonly useful method of oxidation reactions involves the use of hydrogen gas that uses platinum or nickel catalysts. These catalysts
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