Is Ox or Redox more common in nature?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether oxidation or redox reactions are more common in nature, particularly in the context of electrochemistry. Participants explore the definitions and implications of these processes, as well as their occurrences in various scenarios.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the question's intent and suggests that redox reactions might be more common, seeking clarification on the reasoning behind this.
  • Another participant humorously misinterprets "ox" as referring to cattle, indicating a lack of clarity in the terminology used.
  • A participant clarifies that they are discussing oxidation and reduction reactions, explaining their reasoning for favoring redox due to the energy dynamics involved in electron transfer.
  • One participant notes that redox encompasses both oxidation and reduction processes, prompting a request for an example of oxidation.
  • An example of oxidation and reduction is provided in the context of voltaic cells, illustrating the processes involved in a specific reaction.
  • Participants discuss the interdependence of oxidation and reduction, suggesting that one cannot occur without the other.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that redox reactions involve both oxidation and reduction processes, and that they occur in tandem. However, the initial question about which is more common remains unresolved, with differing interpretations of the terminology and context.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reveals some ambiguity in the initial question and terminology, which may affect participants' understanding and responses. There is also a lack of consensus on the broader implications of the question regarding the prevalence of these reactions in nature.

Rockstar2
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Seems like a strange question, but it just appeared on one of my tests. My guess would be redox, but what is the logic behind the answer?

Thanks for the help!
 
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I am not sure I understand what this question asks about. Oxes are relatively rare these days, as most young bulls end as a beef :biggrin: Then, oxes were never quite natural. Not to mention the fact I have no idea what ox can be further reduced to.
 
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Rockstar2 said:
Seems like a strange question, but it just appeared on one of my tests. My guess would be redox, but what is the logic behind the answer?
What was the thought process behind your guess?
 
Lol, no, I was talking about oxidation and reduction reactions, especially those relating to electrochemistry.

I guessed redox because an element gains an electron, thus the electron loses energy. Oxidation on the other hand would require an input of energy to remove an electron. So I guessed that the one that didn't require an outside input of energy. Honestly though, It was a shot in the dark. We get a lot of these on our tests, really just guessing using what you learned doing other things.
 
Redox is not an opposition to oxidation, redox is a collective word for both reduction and oxidation processes.

Give an example of oxidation.
 
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Red-Half - Ag+(aq) + 1e --> Ag(s)
Ox-Half - Cu(s) --> Cu+2(aq) + 2e

Overall Rxn: 2Ag+(aq) + Cu(s) --> 2Ag(s) + Cu2+(aq)

This is in relation to voltaic cells though. Ag being the cathode, and Cu being the anode.
 
Very good.

But you have shown two processes - red and ox. Is it possible for only one to occur?
 
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Haha, your too good at this. They occur in equal measure, because for one to take place your must have the other.
 
Bingo.
 
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