Galvanic and electrolytic cells, oxidation states, and the Nernst equation tested on the MCAT.
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- What happens to an atom or ion during oxidation, in terms of electrons?
- It loses electrons.
- What happens to an atom or ion during reduction, in terms of electrons?
- It gains electrons.
- What does the mnemonic OIL RIG stand for?
- Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain (of electrons).
- In a redox reaction, what is the oxidizing agent?
- The substance that is reduced (it gains electrons and causes another species to be oxidized).
- In a redox reaction, what is the reducing agent?
- The substance that is oxidized (it loses electrons and causes another species to be reduced).
- What is the oxidation number of any atom in its pure elemental form?
- Zero.
- What is the oxidation number of a monatomic ion?
- It equals the charge of the ion.
- What is the usual oxidation number of oxygen in a compound?
- -2
- What is the oxidation number of oxygen in a peroxide such as H2O2?
- -1
- What is the usual oxidation number of hydrogen in a compound?
- +1
- What is the oxidation number of hydrogen in a metal hydride such as NaH?
- -1
- What must the sum of all oxidation numbers equal in a neutral compound?
- Zero.
- What must the sum of all oxidation numbers equal in a polyatomic ion?
- The overall charge of the ion.
- What is a galvanic (voltaic) cell?
- An electrochemical cell that converts a spontaneous redox reaction into electrical energy.
- What is an electrolytic cell?
- An electrochemical cell that uses an external electrical energy source to drive a nonspontaneous redox reaction.