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Reduction is the gain of electrons. This can be an element which is becoming a negative ion, or a positive ion which is being turned into a free element. There are other possibilities, but these are the easiest to think of. The name 'reduction' originally referred to the reduction in mass when ores like iron ore were purified into a pure metal. The removal of other elements that the metal was chemically combined with produced pure metal with a reduced weight compared to the ore.
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DevinWhen a substance is reduced, it gains electrons or its oxidation state decreases in a chemical reaction. This can involve the addition of hydrogen, removal of oxygen, or gaining of electrons. Reducing agents facilitate this process by donating electrons to the substance being reduced.
If a substance is reduced it means that it has gained electrons, so has a more negative charge so its 'positivity' has been reduced. Chlorine when reduced will form chloride ions but Potassium ions K+ when reduced will form Potassium metal.
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In a "reduction reaction" an element or compound molecule has a "gain" in electrons that results in a lower oxidation state. It is the opposite of an "oxidation reaction" wherein the element (or compound) loses electrons and has an increase in oxidation state.
For example, elemental carbon undergoes reduction when it combines with hydrogen to form methane gas. Also, benzene is reduced (also gains electrons from hydrogen) when it forms cyclohexane.
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Why a substance that oxidised is called a reducing agent and why a substance that is reduced is called an oxidising agent?
A substance that oxidizes is called a reducing agent because it causes another substance to gain electrons, which is a reduction process. Conversely, a substance that is reduced is called an oxidizing agent because it causes another substance to lose electrons, which is an oxidation process. This terminology is based on the transfer of electrons during redox reactions.
What role play oxidising agent in a reaction?
An oxidizing agent causes oxidation by accepting electrons from the substance being oxidized. It facilitates the loss of electrons from one substance, which leads to the oxidation of that substance. In the process, the oxidizing agent itself is reduced.
What happens in a redox reaction?
Electrons are transferred between atoms.
What is the most completely describes a redox reaction?
an oxidation and reduction reaction.
Does the words dissolve and absorb mean the same thing?
No, they do not mean the same thing. Dissolve refers to a substance becoming incorporated into a liquid and forming a solution, while absorb refers to a substance taking in another substance or energy.
