Understanding Redox Reactions, Characteristics and Functions

Education. Co. ID – This time we will discuss about Redox Reactions, which will be described with several important points such as the Characteristics and Functions of this Redox Reaction. Full explanation below:

Definition of redox reaction

Redox is a term that describes a change in the oxidation number (oxidation state) of atoms in a chemical reaction. Redox stands for reduction and oxidation.

The meaning of this oxidation is the release of electrons by a molecule, atom and ion, the reaction to increase the oxidation number (oxidation) and also the reaction to the binding of oxygen. As for this reduction reaction, there are electron capture reactions, oxidation number reduction reactions (oxidation) and oxygen release reactions.

Redox “Reduction/Oxidation reaction” is a term that describes the change in oxidation number (oxidation state) of an atom in a chemical reaction. This can be a simple redox process such as the oxidation of carbon to produce carbon dioxide, or the reduction of carbon by hydrogen produce methane (CH4), or it can be a complex process such as the oxidation of sugar in the human body through a series of complex transfer electron.

The term redox comes from the two concepts of reduction and oxidation. He can easily be explained as follows:

This oxidation describes the loss of electrons by a molecule, atom, or ion
This reduction describes the addition of electrons by a molecule, atom, or ion.

Although appropriate enough to be used in a variety of purposes, this explanation is not exactly correct. Oxidation and reduction precisely refer to changes in the oxidation number for electron transfer which will not always occur.

Thus, oxidation is better defined as an increase in oxidation number, and reduction is a decrease in oxidation. In practice, this electron transfer will always change the oxidation number, but there are many reactions that classified as “redox” even if there is no electron transfer reaction (e.g. involving bonds) covalent).

A non-redox reaction that does not involve a change in formal charge (official charge) is known as a metathesis reaction.

Oxidizing and reducing agents

Compounds that have the ability to oxidize other compounds are said to be oxidative and are known as oxidizing agents or oxidizing agents. This oxidant removes electrons from other compounds, thereby reducing itself. Therefore it "accepts" electrons, it is also referred to as an electron acceptor.

Features of redox reactions

Below are some of the characteristics of redox reactions in everyday life, which are as follows:

1. There are free elements such as CI2 (chlorine), Cu (Cuprum), O2 (oxygen).
2. There is a change in oxidation state (oxidation number).
3. There is a reducing agent (reducing agent) is a substance that undergoes oxidation.
4. There is an oxidizing agent (oxidizing) is a substance that undergoes reduction.

redox function

The function of redox reactions in everyday life will be explained in detail as follows:

1. Use of activated sludge to treat waste.
2. Photosynthetic reaction.
3. Oxidation of food in cells.
4. Nuts and bolts are given a zinc coating in which there is a zinc metal oxidation process and also a reduction in the cation part.
5. Kitchen utensils made of stainless steel do not rust because the surface is always coated with oxide due to the continuous oxidation process.
6. Understand the phenomenon of metal corrosion and how to prevent it.
7. Manufacture of sulfuric acid for industrial use.
8. Processing of metal ores in the mining industry.
9. Metabolism of all organs of the body uses redox reactions.

Well, that's the explanation of the Definition of Redox Reactions, Characteristics and Functions, hopefully what is presented can be useful for you. Thank you.