This memory aid covers Memory Aids within Oxidation & Reduction for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Oxidation & Reduction in Chemical Changes for GCSE Chemistry with 20 exam-style questions and 20 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 10 of 13 in this topic. Use it for quick recall, then test yourself straight afterwards so the memory aid becomes usable in an answer.
Topic position
Section 10 of 13
Practice
20 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
🧠 Memory Aids
OIL RIG — the most important mnemonic in chemistry:
Oxidation Is Loss Reduction Is Gain
Write OIL RIG in the margin of your exam paper the moment you start. It earns marks every time.
LEO GER — a second mnemonic:
Lose Electrons = Oxidation Gain Electrons = Reduction
"LEO the lion goes GER" — lose electrons oxidation, gain electrons reduction.
Oxidising/reducing agents — the swap trick: "The oxidising agent is reduced. The reducing agent is oxidised." They do the opposite of what their name suggests happens to the other substance. Think: "The OXIDISING agent gets REDUCED (it gains electrons while making the other thing lose them)."
Electrolysis reminder: OARC — Oxidation At anode, Reduction at Cathode. The vowels: A (anode) = oxidation, C (cathode) = reduction.