Fundamentals

Oxidation-reduction reactions are a class of reactions which involve the transfer of electrons from one element to another element. The element that does the transferring of electrons is the element that is oxidized. The element that receives or gains the electrons is the element that is reduced. Oxidation states can be assigned to each element on the reactant and product side to help determine which element is oxidized and which element is reduced.
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There are four questions in this Question Group. Here is one of those questions:


Question 1 of 4:

Identify the oxidation states of all elements in the reactants and products. Then identify the elements that are oxidized and reduced.

4 Na  +  O2  →  2 Na2O

 

How to Think About This Situation

Study the graphic below in order to learn about oxidation states and the rules for assigning oxidation states. Then use information in the infographic to determine which element is oxidized and which element is reduced.







 


 


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