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VCE Stuff => VCE Science => VCE Mathematics/Science/Technology => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE Chemistry => Topic started by: doter on November 09, 2010, 07:24:29 pm

Title: Confused about reduced and oxidised
Post by: doter on November 09, 2010, 07:24:29 pm

When a question says x is reduced by y
or x is oxidized to y
what does it mean?
I get confused if it's saying it's going through oxidation or reduction
hope this made sense
thanks for any replies

Title: Re: Confused about reduced and oxidised
Post by: 3Xamz on November 09, 2010, 07:28:51 pm

If X is reduced by Y, then X undergoes reduction.

Since Y 'makes' X undergo reduction, Y is the reductant.
Thus, X is the oxidant. :)

So, X gains electrons and Y loses electrons.

Title: Re: Confused about reduced and oxidised
Post by: |ll|lll| on November 09, 2010, 07:33:40 pm

When X is reduced by Y, Y is the reductant/reducing agent.
In this process, X is reduced but Y itself is oxidised. Reduction and oxidation have to occur at the same time. (Wherelse do the electrons go then?  ::)
Oxidised --> Gain of Oxygen / Loss of electrons / Loss in charge and vice versa for reduced

Title: Re: Confused about reduced and oxidised
Post by: doter on November 09, 2010, 07:57:49 pm

Thanks guys, understand it better now :)