Redox Reactions

An electron transfer reaction, sometimes called a redox reaction, occurs when one or more electrons are transferred from one species to another. One species is oxidized (oxidation is the loss of electrons) and one is reduced (reduction is the gain of electrons).

For example the reaction between Na and H₂O is an electron transfer reaction in which a sodium atom transfers an electron to water.

It is important to recognize that in redox reactions electrons are transferred directly to the species that is reduced from the species that is reduced. This is demonstrated when redox reactions are balanced.

Click here to review examples of redox reactions from lab