What reaction is represented by the equation #Au^(3+) + 3e^(-) -> Au#?

1 Answer
anor277
May 28, 2016

A reduction reaction.

Explanation:

The gold ion has been reduced in the sense that its charge has been reduced by accepting electrons.

#"Reduction"# reactions thus involve formal acceptance of electrons. #"Oxidation"# reactions involve formal loss of electrons. Given these formalisms, electron transfer between elements and compounds, always result in oxidation or reduction of the reactants.

The reverse reaction, which would require highly oxidizing acids to accomplish, is an oxidation reaction:

#AurarrAu^(3+) + 3e^-#

Related questions
See all questions in Oxidation and Reduction Reactions
Impact of this question
5065 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License