Redox Reactions and Metal Reactivity (IGCSE)

Study Notes

Redox Reactions

Redox reactions involve both oxidation and reduction.
Oxidation is the loss of electrons, reduction is the gain of electrons.
Reactions can be identified by changes in oxidation states of elements.

Reactivity of Metals (IGCSE)

Metals react differently with other substances based on their position in the reactivity series.
Reactivity series order shows decreasing reactivity.
More reactive metals displace less reactive metals from their compounds.

Oxidation States

Oxidation state (or number) describes the hypothetical charge an atom would have if all bonds were ionic.
Rules for assigning oxidation states (numbers):
- Oxidation state of uncombined elements is zero.
- Monoatomic ions oxidation state matches their charge.
- Oxygen usually has an oxidation state of -2 (exceptions exist, such as peroxides).
- Hydrogen usually has an oxidation state of +1 (exceptions exist, such as metal hydrides).
- The sum of oxidation states in a neutral compound is zero.
- The sum of oxidation states in a polyatomic ion equals the ion's charge.

Reducing and Oxidizing Agents

Reducing agent causes reduction in another substance, itself getting oxidized.
Oxidizing agent causes oxidation in another substance, itself getting reduced.

Metal Displacement Reactions

More reactive metals displace less reactive metals from their compounds.
Predicting displacement reactions uses the reactivity series.
This results in the less reactive metal going into solution in the ionic form.

Applications of Redox Reactions

Many industrial processes utilize redox reactions.
Examples in industry can include corrosion prevention, metal extraction, and water purification.

Rules for Oxidation Number

Rules guide assigning oxidation numbers, crucial for identifying redox processes.
Understanding these rules ensures correct identification of oxidation states.

Description

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of redox reactions, including oxidation and reduction processes. Additionally, it explores the reactivity of metals as outlined in the IGCSE curriculum, emphasizing the reactivity series and the principles of oxidation states. Test your knowledge on how these concepts interact within chemical reactions.