Chemical ChangesTopic Summary
Topic Summary: Oxidation and Reduction (Redox)
Part of Oxidation & Reduction — GCSE Chemistry
This topic summary covers Topic Summary: Oxidation and Reduction (Redox) 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 14 of 14 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 14 of 14
Practice
20 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
Topic Summary: Oxidation and Reduction (Redox)
Key Terms
- Oxidation: loss of electrons (OIL)
- Reduction: gain of electrons (RIG)
- Redox: both occur simultaneously
- Reducing agent: donates electrons (is itself oxidised)
- Oxidising agent: accepts electrons (is itself reduced)
- OIL RIG / LEO GER: key mnemonics
Must-Know Facts
- Oxidation and reduction always happen together
- Oxidation = loss of e⁻ OR gain of O OR loss of H
- Reduction = gain of e⁻ OR loss of O OR gain of H
- Half equations: e⁻ on right (oxidation), left (reduction)
- Anode = oxidation; Cathode = reduction (OARC)
- Displacement, combustion, rusting = all redox