![]() ![]() The key terms involved in redox can be confusing. The oxidation number becomes more positive. And because it “donates” electrons it is called an electron donor. Because the reducing substance gives electrons to another substance it becomes “oxidized” itself (more positive). Reduction is the term given to the process of loss/removal of electrons, which are given to another compound, atom, or ion. The oxidation number becomes more negative. And because it “accepts” electrons it is called an electron acceptor. Because the oxidizing substance removes electrons from another substance, which are then added to itself, the oxidizing substance becomes “reduced” (more negative). Oxidation is the term given to the process of gain/addition of electrons from another compound, ion, or atom. These reactions occur together, they cannot occur separately. The term RedOx comes from the two processes that occur during a reaction: REDuction and OX idation. Redox reactions describe the movement of electrons from one ion to another. The charge, whether positive or negative, is called the oxidation number, which represents the number of electrons gained, lost, or shared in a chemical reaction. A charged particle, such as (H +) or (OH -) is called an ion. Water, when it dissociates, forms H + and OH. When H 2O is formed the positive and negative charges are balanced out and the charge on the molecule is neutral or zero. The combination of atoms makes a molecule, which is bound together by the sharing of electrons with acquired electrons under the influence of the oxygen atom most of the time. A negative number indicates that the oxygen atom acquired two electrons, one from each hydrogen atom, in the chemical bonding process. A positive number indicates that the hydrogen atom gave up an electron. ![]() The superscripted numbers to the right of the chemical symbol indicate the number of electrons gained or lost by chemical bonding. In this case the hydrogen atoms have a positive charge (H +) when not associated with oxygen and the oxygen has a negative charge (O -2). Each of these atoms has an electrical charge associated with it, either positive or negative. This means that for every oxygen atom there are two hydrogen atoms bound to it. Water is made up of hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) atoms with a formula of: H 2O. The following is a short compilation and discussion of some of the more common terms and principles used in the Plume Busters discussion of chromium chemistry and groundwater. A variety of parameters are measured when a sample is collected for water analysis. A discussion of chemical principles is necessary to understand groundwater contamination problems. ![]()
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