Can someone please give me tips on how to remember redox steps and etc...

[lazykid]

hi, i have a chemistry test coming up soon and i need an easier way of remembering:
-which is the oxidant/reductant
-half equations etc..
-galvanic cells: -which is the anode/cathode
                      -which element is more reactive

thanks heaps

[Edmund]

This has been posted before. Try using the Search feature next time.

Example:

Fe(s) + CuSO₄(aq) ---> FeSO₄(aq) + Cu(s)

Cu²⁺ gets reduced and is therefore an oxidant. Cu is the conjugate reductant.

Fe gets oxidised and is therefore a reductant. FeSO₄ is the conjugate oxidant.

OxidAtion takes place at the Anode. This is were electrons are lost.
ReduCtion takes place at the Cathode. This is where electrons are gained.

[luken93]

OIL RIG = Oxidation is Losing (e-)     Reduction is Gaining (e-)

RED CAT = REDuction occurs at the CAThode

Half Equations:

Refer to your Electrochemical Series (in the Chem Databook
Start at the top of the list (Which is F2)
Move down the page, until you see your first substance eg. Cu
The first substance half eq will be:
eg. Cu2+ + 2e- -->Cu

Hence,
The secod substance half eq will be:
eg. Zn --> Zn2+ + 2e-

The same goes for which element is more reactive, the higher it is on the electrochemical series, the more reactive it is.

[vea]

Oxidant-
Reductant- The more reactive metal

Half Equations
When balancing:
1. Balance atoms that are not O or H
2. Balance O by adding water (H2O)
3. Balance H by adding H+
4. Balance electrons
5. Then multiply the half equations by a constant so that there are the same amount of electrons on each side.

Anode- Oxidation occurs here (the ones starting with vowels) so it is the reductant.

Cathode- Reduction occurs here (the ones starting with consonants) so it is the oxidant.

IMO the best way is to learn by practice.

[cypriottiger]

well as soon as writing time begins i go to my data book and write all my cathode/anode/+/-/reduction/oxidation/and arrows indicating increasing strength so as the exams progresses i dont make dumb mistakes by remembering incorrectly
i remember reduction my looking at me ECS in the data book and thinking which equation reduces in content. this occurs left to right, so reduction occurs when the reaction progresses left to right, so at the cathode (top-left). as thats reduction the opposite of everything must occur at the bottom-right, oxidation. oxidant is that chemical that CAUSES the OTHER reaction to occur by oxidation, and vice-versa for reductant.
in terms of reactivity ill let someone else answer because i dont feel as though i could give you the best response.

[Mao]

The key procedure to balancing half equations: KOHES(B)

K ey element
O xygen by adding water
H ydrogen by adding H+
E lectrons by adding electrons
S tates
B ase to balance H+ in the case of alkaline environments (such as in fuel cells) - optional

[SixWinged]

For galvanic cells only (not electrolysis): Roman Catholic Cross corresponds to Reduction Cathode Positive (+ like a cross).

[ttn]

Another way to remember the anode and cathodes.
An OIL RIG Cat
Anode for Oxidation is losing e-
Cathode for Reduction is gaining e-

[happyhappyland]

i remember redox cos i write it on my hand

[andy456]

- An OIL RIG Cat +
for galvanic cells....
Anode : oxidation involves loss
Cathode: reduction involves gain

Cat's are warm and fuzzy and make you feel happy hence the positive.
Anode then becomes -

Electrolysis
+ An OIL RIG Cat -
Everything applies but when you add electricity to cat's what happens; (-) negative

[rashmi_34]

wat mao said;

KOHES (B) is the way to go

[kyzoo]

LOL I HATE "OIL RIG" -.-

I just use my own "Law of Equivalent Trade" thingy

Oxidation = Gain oxygen, so you lose electron. Thus electrons produced by reaction.
Reduction = Lose oxygen, so you gain electron. Thus electrons consumed by reaction.

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As for oxidant/reductant. I just use oxidant = reduced substance, reductant = oxidised substance.

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Anodes and Cathodes

A comes before C, so A --> C

Electrons go from A to C.
Electrons produced at Anode and transmitted to Cathode