Oxidation and Reduction

Have you ever noticed the rusting of metal when it is left outside in the rain for a while?

Well, the process of rusting is a reaction that is classified as an oxidation/reduction reaction.

The iron in the metal, whether it is on a bike or a car, is undergoing a reaction with the oxygen in the air. The water is not the source as one might think but instead it is just speeding the rusting up.

To get familiar with an oxidation/reduction reaction, otherwise known as a redox reaction, a good anagram to remember is

LEO GER

You see Leo is a lion and as a lion it goes GER!! Actually LEO GER stands for

Lose Electron Oxidize Gain Electron Reduce

Every redox reaction has two parts, an oxidation and reduction. LEO GER is an anagram that helps chemists tell the difference.

In relation to the process of iron rusting iron is oxidized and the oxygen is reduced.

When iron is reacting with oxygen it is losing electrons and becoming an Ion. Since it is losing electrons it is undergoing an oxidation part of the reaction. The oxygen is in turn gaining electrons and so it is being reduced.

Chemistry Map Home	Related Quick Links
	Acid/Base Chemical Changes Solutions Energy Kinetics Decomposition Combustion Bonding Reactions