Is there an easy way to answer questions about oxidation and reduction?

YES! OILRIG stands for Oxidation is loss, Reduction is gain 

This means that when a chemical is OXIDISED it has LOST an electron and when a chemical is REDUCED it has GAINED an electron. An electron carries a negative charge, and so if an ion (which is a charged particle) has a negative charge we say it has been reduced whereas if it has a positive charge it has been oxidised. 

Take Potassium as an example. A Potassium ion has a charge of 1+. This means that it has LOST one electron and therefore we say Potassium has been OXIDISED.  

So, if a question asks whether oxidation or reduction has taken place.. simply look at the charge (has it become positive or negative) to work out if it has lost or gained and electron and then use OILRIG!

Answered by Hannah C. Chemistry tutor

1540 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Which are the principles and application of IR spectroscopy


i) Write down the Equation for the Haber-Bosch process. Stating clearly the catalyst used. ii) Explain why high pressures are used for this reaction in industry iii) Explain the importance of the catalyst


A reaction can take place between an acid and an alkali: a) Name this type of reaction. (1 mark) b) Write a word equation that shows the reaction between nitric acid and potassium hydroxide. (1 mark) c) Write the symbolic equation (1 mark)


Explain the inertness of noble gases


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences