A list of metals in order of their reactivity as reducing agents.
combustion
A rapid reaction with oxygen accompanied by a flame and the evolution of heat and light.
corrosion
The slow oxidation of metals exposed to air or water.
half-reactions
A hypothetical reaction that constitutes exclusively either the oxidation or the reduction half of a redox reaction and in whose equation the correct formulas for all species taking part in the change are given together with enough electrons to give the correct electrical balance.
ion-electron method
A method for balancing redox reactions that uses half-reactions.
nonoxidizing acids
An acid in which the anion is a poorer oxidizing agent than the hydrogen ion
oxidation
A change in which an oxidation number increases (becomes more positive). A loss of electrons.
oxidation numbers
The charge that an atom in a molecule or ion would have if all of the electrons in its bonds belonged entirely to the more electronegative atoms; the oxidation state of an atom.
oxidation-reduction reactions
A chemical reaction in which changes in oxidation numbers occur.
oxidizing acids
An acid in which the anion is a stronger oxidizing agent than H+
oxidizing agent
The substance that causes oxidation and that is itself reduced.
redox reactions
An oxidation–reduction reaction.
reducing agent
A substance that causes reduction and is itself oxidized
reduction
A change in which an oxidation number decrease (becomes less positive and more negative). A gain of electrons.
single replacement reaction
A reaction in which one element replaces another in a compound; usually a redox reaction
skeleton equation
An unbalanced equation showing only the formulas of reactants and products.