Redox reaction

Redox reaction

Redox reactions are chemical reactions that involve the transfer of electrons between two chemical species. One chemical species undergoes oxidation, while the other undergoes reduction.

In other words, the reducing agent loses electrons and is oxidized, while the oxidizing agent gains electrons and is reduced.

Example: Combustion of Methane

In the combustion of methane, CH$_4$ reacts with O$_2$ to produce CO$_2$ and H$_2$O. This is a redox reaction because methane is oxidized, and oxygen is reduced.

Chemical Equation

CH$_4$ + 2O$_2$ → CO$_2$ + 2H$_2$O

Reducing Agent

Methane is the reducing agent because it looses hydrogen atoms.

Oxidizing Agent

Oxygen is the oxidizing agent because it accepts hydrogen atoms from methane.

Example: Photosynthesis Photosynthesis is a redox reaction that occurs in plants and algae. In this reaction, carbon dioxide is reduced to form glucose, while water is oxidized to produce oxygen.

Chemical Equation

$6CO_2 + 6H_2O + energy → C_6H_{12}O_6 +6O_2​$

Reducing Agent

Water is the reducing agent because it donates electrons and form hydrogen ions.

Oxidizing Agent

Carbon dioxide is the oxidizing agent because it accepts electrons from water to form glucose.