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SCIENCE > OXIDATION AND REDUCTION
Definitions
Oxidation is the loss of electrons.
Reduction is gain of electrons.
Question (Paper 2000, Section A, Question 2, Part i)
Underline the substance reduced in the following equation:
2K + Cl2 = 2KCl
Answer
If the element has a plus charge on the left and no charge on the right its reduction.
If it's the other way around, its oxidation.
K (Potassium) is on the left and has no charge because it is on its own. However, when it joins with Cl (Chlorine), it becomes a compound and therefore takes the charge of its group. Potassium is in Group 1 which has a charge of +1.
Therefore K is oxidised. Cl is reduced. Answer:
2K + Cl2 = 2KCl
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