Reduction
A reaction where a substance loses oxygen or gains electrons.
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Analogy
The opposite of oxidation. Gaining electrons is reduction, like taking on a coat.
Example
Reduction Is Gain of electronsCu2+ + 2e- -> Cu
In practice
Iron oxide is reduced to iron when it is heated with carbon in a blast furnace.
Practice
Flashcards
- What is reduction in terms of electrons?Gain of electrons.
Interview questions
- Describe what happens at each electrode in the electrolysis of molten lead bromide.
- Lead ions move to the cathode and gain electrons
- Lead metal forms at the cathode
- Bromide ions move to the anode and lose electrons
- Bromine gas forms at the anode
Questions people ask
How do you remember oxidation and reduction?
Use OIL RIG: Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain, of electrons. A second memory trick links to oxygen: oxidation is gaining oxygen and reduction is losing it. In a reaction, the substance that loses electrons is oxidised and the one that gains is reduced.
Why is metal extraction called reduction?
A metal ore is usually an oxide. The metal ions in it gain electrons to become metal atoms, or the oxide loses its oxygen. Both ways are reduction. Heating iron oxide with carbon removes the oxygen, so the iron is reduced and the carbon is oxidised.