⚡ OIL RIG — Oxidation & Reduction in Terms of Electrons
15 Questions · 27 Total Marks · Sections A, B & C
OIL·RIG
Oxidation Is Loss|Reduction Is Gain
Definitions
Define oxidation in terms of electrons.
Define reduction in terms of electrons.
State what the acronym OIL RIG stands for and explain its meaning.
Define a reducing agent in terms of electrons.
Define an oxidising agent in terms of electrons.
Half-Equations
State whether the following represents oxidation or reduction, and explain why: Na → Na⁺ + e⁻
State whether the following represents oxidation or reduction, and explain why: O₂ + 4e⁻ → 2O²⁻
State whether the following represents oxidation or reduction: Fe³⁺ + e⁻ → Fe²⁺
State whether the following represents oxidation or reduction: Cl₂ + 2e⁻ → 2Cl⁻
Write the half-equation for the oxidation of zinc atoms to zinc ions (Zn²⁺). Include state symbols.
Explanations
In the reaction: Mg(s) + Cu²⁺(aq) → Mg²⁺(aq) + Cu(s) Explain why magnesium is oxidised.
In the same reaction: Mg(s) + Cu²⁺(aq) → Mg²⁺(aq) + Cu(s) Explain why Cu²⁺ is reduced.
In the reaction: Mg(s) + Cu²⁺(aq) → Mg²⁺(aq) + Cu(s) Identify the oxidising agent and explain your answer.
In the reaction: 2Fe³⁺(aq) + Zn(s) → 2Fe²⁺(aq) + Zn²⁺(aq) State which species is the reducing agent and explain why.
Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) can act as both an oxidising and a reducing agent. In the following reaction it acts as an oxidising agent: 2KI(aq) + H₂O₂(aq) + H₂SO₄(aq) → I₂(aq) + K₂SO₄(aq) + 2H₂O(l) Identify which species is oxidised, and write the half-equation to support your answer.
📌 Golden Rules — OIL RIG
Oxidation Is Loss of electrons. e⁻ appears on the RIGHT side of the half-equation.
Reduction Is Gain of electrons. e⁻ appears on the LEFT side of the half-equation.
Oxidising Agent accepts electrons → is itself REDUCED.
Reducing Agent donates electrons → is itself OXIDISED.
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