Redox Reactions

Electrochemistry The study of chemical reactions involving the transfer of electrons between reactants.

Super Useful! You can find electrochemistry in Combustion and explosions Photosynthesis and Cellular respiration Mining of ores Rust and Corrosion Batteries Jewelry making and photography Creation of chlorine for pools and hydrogen for fuel cells

Oxidation The loss of electrons is oxidation Occurs at the ANODE Reducing agents undergo oxidation (donate electrons and cause reduction)

Reduction The gaining of electrons Occurs at the CATHODE Oxidizing agents undergo reduction (gain electrons by causing oxidation)

Redox Reactions Write down all reactions Dissociate all molecules into ions Label oxidizing agents and reducing agents Find the strongest oxidizing agent and reducing agent (according to the chart) Write the half reactions (SOA left to right, SRA right to left) Balance the electrons and combine the reactions

Example 1 Copper metal is placed in a solution of acidified silver chloride. Write a balanced redox equation for the reaction of copper metal with silver chloride.

Example 2 Demonstrate the balanced net ionic equation for the reaction of copper metal with sulfuric acid under idea conditions (used in refining copper ores)