Can anyone help me understand how to tell which atoms are oxidized, and which are reduced, in a redox reaction?

Question

matt6288 · Answer

If this isn't answered by tomorrow I'll answer it

anonymous · Answer

By looking at the oxidation numbers of each atom in a reaction you can tell whether an atom has been oxidised or reduced. Oxidation numbers of atoms are usually the same as its charge e.g. Oxygen has an ionic charge of 2- and its oxidation number =-2, but there are exceptions! http://www.chemguide.co.uk/inorganic/redox/oxidnstates.html this website should help if you need to know about oxidation numbers. To work out if an atom has been oxidised then look if its oxidation number has increased from the reactant to the product and visa versa with reduction. If an atom has lost electrons in a reaction its charge increases so the oxidation number will also increase. If an atom has gained electrons then its charge will decrease and so the oxidation number will decrease. In summary oxidation is the increase in oxidation number and reduction is the decrease in oxidation number.

eyesnapper · Answer

I think I understand it better now and I'm gonna check out that link. Thankyou! ^^