Redox - Examples of Redox Reactions

Examples of Redox Reactions

A good example is the reaction between hydrogen and fluorine in which hydrogen is being oxidized and fluorine is being reduced:

H2 + F2 → 2 HF

We can write this overall reaction as two half-reactions:

the oxidation reaction:

H2 → 2 H+ + 2 e−

and the reduction reaction:

F2 + 2 e− → 2 F−

Analyzing each half-reaction in isolation can often make the overall chemical process clearer. Because there is no net change in charge during a redox reaction, the number of electrons in excess in the oxidation reaction must equal the number consumed by the reduction reaction (as shown above).

Elements, even in molecular form, always have an oxidation state of zero. In the first half-reaction, hydrogen is oxidized from an oxidation state of zero to an oxidation state of +1. In the second half-reaction, fluorine is reduced from an oxidation state of zero to an oxidation state of −1.

When adding the reactions together the electrons are canceled:

H2 → 2 H+ + 2 e−
F2 + 2 e− → 2 F−

Read more about this topic:  Redox

Famous quotes containing the words examples of, examples and/or reactions:

    “It is hardly to be believed how spiritual reflections when mixed with a little physics can hold people’s attention and give them a livelier idea of God than do the often ill-applied examples of his wrath.”
    —G.C. (Georg Christoph)

    “Histories are more full of examples of the fidelity of dogs than of friends.”
    —Alexander Pope (1688–1744)

    “Separation anxiety is normal part of development, but individual reactions are partly explained by experience, that is, by how frequently children have been left in the care of others.... A mother who is never apart from her young child may be saying to him or her subliminally: “You are only safe when I’m with you.””
    —Cathy Rindner Tempelsman (20th century)