CBSE Class 10 Answered

Please explain oxidation and reduction in terms of loss or gain of electrons with examples

Asked by Trisha Gupta | 24 Sep, 2021, 03:04: PM

Expert Answer

Oxidation is the loss of electrons and reduction is the gain of electrons.
To explain the involvement of oxidation and reduction in the formation of molecular compounds, the concept of oxidation number was introduced.

Example: Hydrogen combining with oxygen to form water.

$2 straight H subscript 2 space left parenthesis straight g right parenthesis space space plus space space straight O subscript 2 space left parenthesis straight g right parenthesis space space space rightwards arrow with blank on top space space 2 straight H subscript 2 straight O space left parenthesis straight l right parenthesis$

In the formation of water, electron transfer is realised when hydrogen combines with oxygen.
The hydrogen atom (H) goes from a neutral state, i.e. a zero state (H₂) to a positive state in H₂O, whereas the oxygen atom (O) goes from a neutral state, i.e. a zero state (O₂) to a dinegative state in H₂O.
It is assumed that there is an electron transfer from H to O, and consequently, H₂ is oxidised and O₂ is reduced.
The transfer of the charge is partial and considered an electron shift rather than a complete loss of electrons by hydrogen (H) and gain of electrons by oxygen (O).

Example:

$stack 2 straight H subscript 2 with 0 on top space left parenthesis straight g right parenthesis space space plus space space stack straight O subscript 2 with 0 on top space left parenthesis straight g right parenthesis space space space rightwards arrow with blank on top space space 2 stack straight H subscript 2 space space end subscript with plus 1 on top straight O with negative 2 on top space left parenthesis straight l right parenthesis$

Answered by Ramandeep | 24 Sep, 2021, 05:21: PM