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 regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 10 of 14 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 14
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.
Keep building this topic
Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Oxidation & Reduction. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.
Practice Questions for Oxidation & Reduction
What does OIL stand for in the mnemonic OIL RIG?
In the reaction Mg + CuSO₄ → MgSO₄ + Cu, identify which species is oxidised and which is reduced. (2 marks)
Quick Recall Flashcards
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