Identify the following reactions as either oxidation or reduction.

 Question:

Identify the following reactions as either oxidation or reduction.

(i)                     O + 2e^- ---→ O^2-

(ii)                   K – e^-  ----→ K⁺

(iii)                Fe³⁺ + e^- ---→ Fe²⁺

(iv)                 Zn --→ Zn²⁺+2e^-

Solution:

(i)                     Reduction

(ii)                   Oxidation

(iii)                Reduction

(iv)                 Oxidation

Explanation:

Loss of electrons is oxidation and gain of electrons is reduction. Just see whether it is losing or gaining electrons.