Reactivity of metals key terms

oxidation

The process in which a species loses electrons in a redox reaction. In Oxidation and reduction in terms of electrons (HT only), this term helps explain (HT only) Identify the species oxidised in a redox reaction for AQA GCSE Chemistry 8462 Unit 4.4.

reduction

The process in which a species gains electrons in a redox reaction. In Oxidation and reduction in terms of electrons (HT only), this term helps explain (HT only) Identify the species oxidised in a redox reaction for AQA GCSE Chemistry 8462 Unit 4.4 For Oxidation and reduction in terms of electrons (HT only), use reduction in the definition boundary of the species oxidised redox reaction; this keeps the term tied to Reactivity of metals and avoids confusing it with a nearby acid-base, redox, reactivity, salt-preparation, pH, ion, or electrolysis idea.

redox reaction

A chemical reaction involving the transfer of electrons, where oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously.

electron transfer

The process by which electrons are moved from one atom or ion to another during a chemical reaction.

Oxidation

The loss of electrons by an atom, ion or molecule, resulting in an increase in oxidation state.

Reduction

The gain of electrons by an atom, ion or molecule, resulting in a decrease in oxidation state.