Explain the following in terms of gain or loss of oxygen with two examples each.

(a) Oxidation

(b) Reduction

 

Answer

  1. Addition of Oxygen to a Substance is called Oxidation.

That is, gain of Oxygen is called Oxidation.

 

For example,

  1. 2Cu + O 2   →  2CuO

In the above reaction, Oxygen is being added to Copper, hence it gets oxidised to CuO.

 

  1. C + O →  CO 2

In the above reaction, Oxygen is being added to Carbon, hence it gets oxidised to CO 2 .

 

  1. Removal of Oxygen from a substance is called Reduction.

That is, loss of Oxygen is called Reduction.

 

For example,

  1. CuO + H 2   →  Cu + H 2 O

Oxygen is removed from Copper in the reaction, therefore reduction occurs.

 

  1. Fe 3 O 4 + 4H 2   →  3Fe + 4H 2 O

Oxygen is removed from Iron in the reaction, therefore reduction occurs.

 

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CA Maninder Singh is a Chartered Accountant for the past 14 years and a teacher from the past 18 years. He teaches Science, Economics, Accounting and English at Teachoo