Oxidized and Reduced reaction species

Thread starter Phyzwizz
Start date Oct 12, 2011
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In summary, an oxidized reaction species is a molecule or atom that loses one or more electrons, while a reduced reaction species is a molecule or atom that gains one or more electrons. The oxidation state of a reaction species can be determined by comparing the number of electrons gained or lost by the species or by looking at its overall charge. In cellular respiration, oxidized and reduced species are involved in the conversion of glucose into energy. They also play a role in the Earth's biogeochemical cycles, but excess amounts can contribute to pollution. Oxidation and reduction can occur without oxygen, such as in fermentation processes.

Oct 12, 2011

Phyzwizz

I was given 2Na + 2H₂O → 2NaOH + H₂

My only question here is whether the Na on the reactants side is 0 because it is alone? And is it the same thing for the H₂ that is alone on the products side?

So if were the case Na would oxidize and H would reduce?

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Oct 12, 2011

gabriels-horn

The oxidation state of atoms in their elemental state is 0.

Oct 13, 2011

Borek

Mentor

Yes, yes & yes.

Related to Oxidized and Reduced reaction species

1. What is the definition of an oxidized and reduced reaction species?

An oxidized reaction species is a molecule or atom that loses one or more electrons, while a reduced reaction species is a molecule or atom that gains one or more electrons. This transfer of electrons is known as a redox reaction and is essential for many biological and chemical processes.

2. How do you determine the oxidation state of a reaction species?

The oxidation state of a reaction species can be determined by comparing the number of electrons gained or lost by the species. If the species has gained electrons, it has a negative oxidation state, and if it has lost electrons, it has a positive oxidation state. The overall charge of the species can also be used to determine its oxidation state.

3. What is the role of oxidized and reduced species in cellular respiration?

Oxidized and reduced species play a crucial role in cellular respiration, which is the process by which cells convert glucose into energy. During cellular respiration, glucose is oxidized, and oxygen is reduced, releasing energy that is used to produce ATP, the main energy source for cells.

4. How do oxidized and reduced species affect the environment?

Oxidized and reduced species can have both positive and negative effects on the environment. On one hand, they play a vital role in the biogeochemical cycles that help regulate the Earth's atmosphere. However, excess amounts of oxidized species, such as nitrogen and sulfur compounds, can contribute to air pollution and acid rain.

5. Can oxidation and reduction occur without the presence of oxygen?

Yes, oxidation and reduction can occur without the presence of oxygen. In fact, there are many biological and chemical processes that involve redox reactions without the involvement of oxygen. For example, fermentation is a type of cellular respiration that occurs in the absence of oxygen and involves the reduction of organic compounds.