How can I recognize oxidation reduction reactions?
1 Answer
Sep 4, 2014
The easiest way is to look for elements whose oxidation state (charge) changes during a reaction.
Here is an example of a redox reaction:
3Mg(s) +
Mg has no charge before the reaction· After, it has a charge of +2 — meaning it was oxidized.
Iron goes from a +3 charge before the reaction to a an oxidation state of 0 after the reaction — meaning it was reduced (reduced charge due to addition of electrons).
If no elements in a reaction change oxidation state (for example: double replacement reaction) the reaction is not a redox reaction.
Hope this helps.
