SPM Chemistry Form 5

Terminology and Concepts:

Oxidation and Reduction (Part 1)

2CuO (s) + C (s) > 2Cu (s) + CO2 (g)

Reduction:
CuO loses its oxygen to form
copper. CuO (oxidising agent) is
being reduced.

Oxidation:
Carbon gains oxygen to form
CO2. Carbon (reducing agent) is
said to be oxidised.

Redox reaction chemical reactions

in which both oxidation and reduction
occur simultaneously.
1) Oxidation

gain of oxygen, O2 by a
substance

loss of hydrogen, H2 from a

substance

PbO (s) + CO (g) > Pb (s) + CO2 (g)

a loss of electrons

occurs when there is an

increase in oxidation number

Reduction:
PbO loses its oxygen to form
lead. PbO (oxidising agent) is
being reduced.

Oxidation:
Carbon monoxide (CO) gains
oxygen to form CO2. Carbon
monoxide (reducing agent) is
said to be oxidised.

2) Reduction

loss of oxygen, O2 by a
substance

gain of hydrogen, H2 from a

substance

a gain of electrons

occurs when there is an

decrease in oxidation number

Oxidation Number is the charge

that the atom of the element would
have if complete transfer of electron
takes place.
IUPAC nomenclature name
inorganic compounds in order to avoid
confusion due to elements have
variable oxidation numbers.
Oxidation and Reduction in Terms
of Gain and Loss of Oxygen

H2 (g) + CuO (s) > H2O (l) + Cu (s)

Reduction:
CuO loses its oxygen to form
copper. CuO (oxidising agent) is
being reduced.

Oxidation:
Hydrogen (H2) gains oxygen to
form H2O. Hydrogen (reducing
agent) is said to be oxidised.

Oxidation and Reduction in Terms

of Gain and Loss of Hydrogen
H2S (g) + Cl2 (g) > S (s) + 2HCl (g)

Reduction:
Cl2 gains hydrogen to form
hydrogen chloride. Cl2 (oxidising
agent) is being reduced.

Oxidation:
Hydrogen sulphide loses
hydrogen to form sulphur.
Hydrogen sulphide (reducing
agent) is said to be oxidised.

2NH3 (g) + 3Br2 (g) > N2 (g) + 6HBr

(g)

Reduction:
Bromine gains hydrogen to form
hydrogen bromide. Br2 (oxidising
agent) is being reduced.
Oxidation:
Ammonia loses hydrogen to
form nitrogen. Ammonia
(reducing agent) is said to be
oxidised.

SPM Chemistry Form 5

Terminology and Concepts:
Oxidation and Reduction(Part 2)

Oxidation Number is the

charge that the atom of the
element would have if complete
transfer of electron takes place.
Oxidation number
(i) Free elements have an
oxidation number of zero.
Na = 0
Mg = 0
C=0
H2 = 0
Br2 = 0
(ii) Oxidation number of a
simple monoatomic ions is
the same as its charge.
Na+ ion = +1
Mg2+ ion = +2
O2- ion = -2
Cl- ion = -1
H+ ion = +1

(iii) Sum of the oxidation

number for a neutral
compound is zero.
CaH2
(+2) + 2(-1)
=0
Sum of oxidation number is 0
Al2O3
2(+3) + 3(-2)
=0
Sum of oxidation number is 0
Iodine, Bromine, Chlorine,
Nitrogen, Oxygen, Fluorine
> Electronegativity
increase
Cl2O
2(+1) + (-2)
=0
Sum of oxidation number is 0.
(Chlorine, bromine and iodine
usually have the oxidation
number of -1 except when
combine with a more
electronegative element.)
HClO
(+1) + (+1) + (-2)
=0
Sum of oxidation number is 0.
(Chlorine, bromine and iodine
usually have the oxidation
number of -1 except when
combine with a more
electronegative element.)
(iv) Polyatomic ion, the sum
of the oxidation numbers of
all the atoms equals the
charge on the ion.
SO4 2(+6) + 4 (-2)
= +6 + (-8)
= -2
Sum of oxidation number is -2
Cr2O722(+6) + 7(-2)
= -2
Sum of oxidation number is -2
(v) Calculating the oxidation
numbers of elements in
compounds or ions.

K2Cr2O7
2 (+1) + 2x + 7 (-2) = 0
x = +6
Oxidation number of chromium
in K2Cr2O7 is +6
NO3x + 3(-2) = -1
x = +5
Oxidation number of nitrogen in
NO3- is +5
Hydrogen peroxide, H2O2
2(+1) + 2x = 0
x = -1
Oxidation number of oxygen in
H2O2 is -1 (and not -2)
(Usually oxidation number for
combined oxygen usually is -2
except in peroxides)
F2O
2(-1) + x = 0
x = +2
Oxidation number of oxygen in
F2O is +2 (and not -2)
(Usually oxidation number for
combined oxygen usually is -2
except in fluorine
compounds)
NaH
(+1) + x = 0
x = -1
Oxidation number of hydrogen
in NaH is -1 (and not +1)
(Usually oxidation number for
combined hydrogen usually is
+1 except in metal hydrides)
AlH3
(+3) + 3x = 0
x = -1
Oxidation number of hydrogen
in AlH3 is -1 (and not +1)
(Usually oxidation number for
combined hydrogen usually is
+1 except in metal hydrides)
MgH2
(+2) + 2x = 0
x = -1
Oxidation number of hydrogen
in MgH2 is -1 (and not +1)
(Usually oxidation number for

combined hydrogen usually is

+1 except in metal hydrides)
(vi) Some metals show
different oxidation numbers.

Compound
MnSO4
MnO2
K2MnO4
KMnO4
Compound
K2CrO4
K2Cr2O7

Oxidation number of
manganese
+2
+4
+6
+7
Oxidation number of
chromium
+6
+6

(vii) Usually non-metals have

negative oxidation numbers
but Cl, Br & I can have
positive or negative
oxidation number.

Compound Oxidation number of

chlorine
HCl
-1
ClO2
+4
HClO4
+7
SPM Chemistry Form 5
Terminology and Concepts:
Oxidation and Reduction (Part 3)
Oxidation and Reduction in Terms
of Changes in Oxidation Numbers
Redox reactions oxidation number
of all elements change.
Rusting of iron, combustion,
displacement of metal from its salt
solution, displacement of halogen from
its halide solution and electrolysis are
redox reaction.
-10 . -3 -2 -1 0 +1 +2 +3
+10

<- Reduction || Oxidation

->

H2 (g) + CuO (s) > H2O (l) + Cu

(s)
Hydrogen: 0 > +1 (Oxidised to
water & Hydrogen is a reducing
agent)
Copper oxide: +2 > 0
(Reduced to copper & Copper
oxide is a oxidising agent)
2Zn (s) + O2 (g) > 2ZnO (s)
Zinc: 0 > +2 (Oxidised to zinc
ion & Zinc is a reducing agent)
Oxygen: 0 > -2 (Reduced to
oxide ion & Oxygen is an
oxidising agent)
2Mg (s) + CO2 (g) > 2MgO (s)
+ C (s)
Magnesium: 0 > +2 (Oxidised
to magnesium ion & Magnesium
is a reducing agent)
Carbon dioxide: +4 > 0
(Reduced to carbon & Carbon
dioxide is an oxidising agent)
Br2 (l) + 2HI (aq) > 2HBr (aq) +
I2 (s)
Hydroiodic acid / Hydrogen
iodide: -1 > 0 (Oxidised to
iodine & Hydroiodic acid is a
reducing agent)
Bromine: 0 > -1 (Reduced to
hydrobromic acid & Bromine is a
oxidising agent)

Non-redox reactions oxidation

number of all elements remain
unchanged.
Precipitation, decomposition and
neutralisation are not redox reaction
(non-redox reaction)
Precipitation:

AgNO3 (aq) + NaCl (aq) > AgCl

(s) + NaNO3 (aq)
+1 +5 3(-2)
+1
-1
+1 -1
+1 +5
3(-2)

No change in the oxidation numbers.

Decomposition:

ZnCO3 (s) > ZnO (s) + CO2 (g)

+2 +4 3(-2) +2 -2
+4 2(2)

No change in the oxidation numbers.

Neutralisation:

NaOH (aq) + HCl (aq) > NaCl

(aq) + H2O (l)
+1 -2 +1
+1
-1
+1 -1
2(+1) 2

No change in the oxidation numbers.

Revision time:
Questions to ask yourself at this point:
1. Do you understand what is a
redox reaction?
2. Can you write the two half
reactions out of a redox
reaction?
3. Do you understand the concept
of oxidation number?
4. Give three examples of an
oxidising agent and the
example of the reaction
involved.
5. Give three examples of a
reducing agent and the example
of the reaction involved.

6. Can you differentiate a redox

reaction with a non-redox
reaction?
7. What is the characteristics of a
non-redox reaction?
SPM Chemistry Form 5
Terminology and Concepts:
Oxidation and Reduction (Part 4)
Oxidation and Reduction in Terms
of Electron Transfer
2I- (aq) > I2 (aq) + 2e
Oxidation: Iodide ion, I- is a reducing
agent because it donates/loses
electrons to become I2.
Br2 + 2e > 2Br- (aq)
Reduction: Bromine water, Br2 is an
oxidising agent because it
receives/accepts electrons from I- to
form bromide ions, Br-.
> Overall reaction: 2I- (aq) + Br2 >
I2 (aq) + 2Br- (aq)
Conversion of Fe2+ Ions to Fe3+
Ions and Vice Versa
A) Common oxidising agent
(change Fe2+ ions to Fe3+ ions):

bromine, Br2

chlorine, Cl2

hydrogen peroxide, H2O2

concentrated nitric acid, HNO3

acidified potassium
manganate(VII), KMnO4 solution

acidified potassium
dichromate(VI), K2Cr2O7 solution

Fe2+ (aq) > Fe3+ (aq) + e

Oxidation: Iron(II) ion, Fe2+ is a
reducing agent because it
donates/loses one electron to become
Fe3+.
Br2 (aq) + 2e > 2Br- (aq)
Reduction: Bromine water, Br2 is an
oxidising agent because it
receives/accepts electrons from Fe2+ to
form bromide ions, Br-.
> Observation: iron(II) sulphate
solution changes colour from pale
green to yellowish-brown.
> Overall reaction: 2Fe2+ (aq) + Br2
(aq) > 2Fe3+ (aq) +2Br- (aq)
B) Common reducing agent
(change Fe3+ ions to Fe2+ions):

zinc powder, Zn

aluminium, Al

Magnesium, Mg

Calcium, Ca

Sulphur dioxide, SO2

Hydrogen sulphide, H2S

Sodium sulphide solution,

Na2SO3

Tin(II) chloride solution, SnCl2

Zn (s) > Zn2+ (aq) + 2e

Oxidation: Zinc powder, Zn is a
reducing agent because it
donates/loses two electrons to form
zinc ions, Zn2+.
Fe3+ (aq) + e > Fe2+ (aq)
Reduction: Iron(III) ion, Fe3+ is an
oxidising agent because it
receives/accepts one electron to
become Fe2+.

> Observation: iron(III) sulphate

solution changes colour from
yellowish-brown to pale green.
> Overall reaction: 2Fe3+ (aq) + Zn
(aq) > 2Fe2+ (aq) + Zn2+ (aq)

Metal
Equation
Potassium
K (s) > K+ (aq) + e
Sodium
Na (s) > Na+ (aq) + e
Calcium
Ca (s) > Ca2+ (aq) + 2e
Magnesium Mg (s) > Mg2+ (aq) + 2e
C) Investigate the presence of
Aluminium
Al (s) > Al3+ (aq) + 3e
iron(II) and iron(III) ions
Zinc
Zn (s) > Zn2+ (aq) + 2e
Iron
Fe (s) > Fe2+ (aq) + 2e
Reagent
Ions Observations
Tin
Sn (s) > Sn2+ (aq) + 2e
NaOH solution / NH3
Fe2+ Green
Lead in
Pb (s) > Pb2+ (aq) + 2e
solution
precipitate,insoluble
Hydrogen
H (s) > H+ (aq) + e
excess alkali
Copper
Cu (s) > Cu2+ (aq) + 2e
NaOH solution / NH3
Fe3+ Brown
solution
precipitate,insoluble
Silverin
Ag (s) > Ag+ (aq) + e
excess alkali
2+
Potassium
Fe
Light blue precipitate
Going up the table:
hexacyanoferrate(II)
solution
1. Tendency of metals to form
Potassium
Fe3+ Dark blue precipitate positive ions increases.
hexacyanoferrate(II)
solution
2. Electropositivity increases.
2+
Potassium
Fe
Dark blue precipitate
hexacyanoferrate(III)
3. Strength as reducing agent
solution
increases.
3+
Potassium
Fe
Greenish-brown
(The focus should be on the strength
hexacyanoferrate(III)
solution
of the reducing agent)
solution
Potasium / Ammonium Fe2+ Pale red colouration
Going down the table:
thiocyanate solution
3+
Potasium / Ammonium Fe
Blood-red colouration
1. Tendency of metals to receive
thiocyanate solution
electrons increases.
2. Electropositivity decreases.
SPM Chemistry Form 5
Terminology and Concepts:
Oxidation and Reduction (Part 5)
Displacement of Metals from Their
Salt Solution
More electropositive metal is more
reactive metal and it will displace a
less reactive metal from the solution.
Reactivity Electrochemical Series

3. Strength as oxidising agent

increases.
(The focus should be on the strength
of the oxidising agent)
a) Magnesium ribbon + Lead(II)
nitrate solution

Mg (s) > Mg2+ (aq) + 2e

Oxidation: Magnesium ribbon,
Mg is a reducing agent because

it is more electropositive than

lead.

Pb2+ (aq) + 2e > Pb (s)

Reduction: Lead(II) ion, Pb2+ is
an oxidising agent because it
receives/accepts two electrons
to become lead.
Observation:
i) Deposition of dark brown solid
(lead) on the magnesium
ribbon.
ii) The magnesium ribbon
dissolves.
Overall reaction: Pb2+ (aq) +
Mg (s) > Pb (s) + Mg2+ (aq)

b) Zinc strip + Copper(II) sulphate

solution

Zn (s) > Zn2+ (aq) + 2e

Oxidation: Zinc strip, Zn is a
reducing agent because it is
more electropositive than
copper.

Cu2+ (aq) + 2e > Cu (s)

Reduction: Copper(II) ion, Cu2+
is an oxidising agent because it
receives/accepts two electrons
to become copper.

Observation:
i) Deposition of brown solid
(copper) on the zinc strip.
ii) The blue colour of CuSO4
becomes paler / The blue
solution turns to colourless.
iii) The zinc strip dissolves.
Overall reaction: Cu2+ (aq) +
Zn (s) > Cu (s) + Zn2+ (aq)

c) Copper strip + Magnesium

sulphate solution

No changes.
Magnesium is more
electropositive than copper.

Observation:No changes.
There is no redox reaction
occurs.

Mnemonic method for memorising

the reactivity electrochemical
series
Students typically will form sentences
(sometimes naughty ones) to
memorise the series in a mnemonic
way. Berry Berry Easy would like to
share with you some famous ones
such as:

Paddy Still Could Marry A Zulu

In The Lovely Honolulu Causing
Many Strange Gazes.
Potassium Sodium Calcium
Magnesium Aluminium Zinc
Iron Tin Lead Hydrogen Copper
Mercury Silver Gold
(In the above statement, there
is addition of Mercury and Gold.
No harm memorising those too)

he reactivity series is about:

List of metals (sometimes with

hydrogen and carbon added as
baseline) arranged by the ability
to reduce other chemicals in
non-specific way.

The reactivity is dependent on

the conditions of the reactions
and all are relative.

So the order will be slightly

different between various books
and research. (However,
generally it should be the same)

Reactivity series
K, *Na, *Ca, Mg, Al, Zn, Fe, Sn,

Pb, Cu, Hg, Ag, Au

<- increase in reactivity of
metals.
Do take notes with the *, the
position of the calcium and
sodium are different. In
electrochemical series, calcium
is more electropositive than
sodium but not for the reactivity
series.
This is in contract with the
electrochemical series :
List of reducing agents arranged
by the way of negative potential
in an electrochemical cell

The conditions are pressure of 1

atm, temperature of 298 K and
molar concentration of 1.o M
The electrochemical series /
electropositivity of metal
Equilibrium
Li+ (aq) + e <> Li (s)
K+ (aq) + e <> K (s)
*Ca2+ (aq) + 2e <> Ca
(s)
*Na+ (aq) + e <> Na (s)
Mg2+ (aq) + 2e <> Mg
(s)
Al3+ (aq) + 3e <> Al (s)
Zn2+ (aq) + 2e <> Zn (s)
Fe2+ (aq) + 2e <> Fe (s)
Pb2+ (aq) + 2e <> Pb (s)
2H+ (aq) + 2e <> H2 (g)
Cu2+ (aq) + 2e <> Cu (s)
Ag+ (aq) + e <> Ag (s)
Au3+ (aq) + 3e <> Au (s)

SPM Chemistry Form 5

Terminology and Concepts:
Oxidation and Reduction (Part 6)
Displacement of Halogen (Group
17) from Its Halide Solution

reactivity series instead of the

electrochemical series.

E (volts)
- 3.03
- 2.92
- 2.87

Halogen elements in Group 17 of

the Periodic Table
Example: chlorine, bromine and
iodine.
Halogen Identification
Halogen Colour in
(conc.) aq.
solution

Colour in Colour in
(dilute) aq. 1,1,1solution
trichloroethan
e
Iodine
Reddish-brown Yellow
Purple
Bromine Brown
Yellow
Brown
Chlorine Pale yellow
Colourless Colourless

- 2.71
- 2.37

Strength of oxidising agent in

halogen

- 1.66
- 0.76
- 0.44
- 0.13
0
+ 0.34
+ 0.80
+ 1.50

Cl2, Br2. I2

So, more IMPORTANTLY, the SPM

syllabus focuses on the reactivity
instead of electrochemical
potentials, so do use the

< Oxidising power increases

Halide /
Halogen
Potassium
chloride
Potassium
bromide

Chlorine

Bromine

No changes No changes

Chlorine
displace
bromine from
KBr solution
Potassium Chlorine
Bromine
iodide
displace iodine displace

Iodine

No changes

from KI
solution

iodine from
KI solution

Oxidation half-equation: Fe2+

(aq) > Fe3+(aq) + e

Reduction half-equation: Cr2O72(aq) + 14H+(aq) + 6e > 2Cr3+

(aq) + 7H2O(l)

Overall reaction: Cr2O72-(aq) +

6Fe2+(aq) 14H+(aq) > 2Cr3+(aq)
+ 6Fe3+(aq) + 7H2O(l)

Set II
SPM Chemistry Form 5
Terminology and Concepts:
Oxidation and Reduction (Part 7)

Reducing Oxidising
agent
agent

Test on the
solution in the
reducing agent
Redox Reactions by the Transfer
arm of U-tube
of Electrons at a Distance
Iron(II)
Acidified
Add sodium
sulphate, manganate(VII), hydroxide, NaOH
Set I
FeSO4
KMnO4 solution
solution
solution
Reducing Oxidising
Test on the
Observation
Inference
agent
agent
solution in the
The electrode in the iron(II) Electrons flow
reducing agent
sulphate, FeSO4 solution
from iron(II)
arm of U-tube
acts as the negative
sulphate, FeSO4
Iron(II)
Acidified
Add a few drops terminal,
of
whereas the
solution to
sulphate, potassium
potassium
electrode in the acidified
acidified
FeSO4
dichromate(VI), thiocyanate, KSCN
potassium dichromate(VI), potassium
solution
K2Cr2O7 solution solution
K2Cr2O7 solution acts as the dichromate(VI),
positive terminal.
K2Cr2O7 solution
Observation
Inference
Iron(II) sulphate solution
Iron(III) ions are
The electrode in the iron(II) Electrons flow from
changes
from
pale
green
to
present.Iron(II)
sulphate, FeSO4 solution
iron(II) sulphate,
ions are oxidised
acts as the negative
FeSO4 solution toyellow/brown. It formed a
brown precipitate when the to iron(III) ions.
terminal, whereas the
acidified
brown solution is tested with
electrode in the acidified
potassium
potassium dichromate(VI), dichromate(VI), sodium hydroxide solution
K2Cr2O7 solution acts as the K2Cr2O7 solution (NaOH)
positive terminal.
Purple acidified
Manganate(VII)
ions are reduced
Iron(II) sulphate solution
Iron(III) ions are manganate(VII), KMnO4
to manganese(II)
changes from pale green to present. Iron(II) solution turns colourless.
ion.
yellow/brown. It gives blood- ions are oxidised
red colouration with
to iron(III) ions.
potassium thiocyanate
Oxidation half-equation: Fe2+
solution (KSCN)
(aq) > Fe3+(aq) + e
Acidified potassium
Dichromate(VI)
dichromate(VI), K2Cr2O7
ions are reduced
Reduction half-equation: MnO4solution changes colour
to chromium(III)
(aq) + 8H+(aq) + 5e > Mn2+
from orange to green.
ions.
(aq) + 4H2O(l)

Overall reaction: MnO4-(aq) +

5Fe2+(aq) + 8H+(aq) > Mn2+
(aq) + 5Fe3+(aq) + 4H2O(l)

Set III

solution
Potassium
bromide,KBr
solution

dichromate(VI),K2Cr2O7 solution
Chlorine, Cl2 water

Reducing Oxidising
agent
agent

Test on the
SPM Chemistry Form 5
solution in the
Terminology and Concepts:
reducing agent
Oxidation and Reduction (Part 8 )
arm of U-tube
Bromine water, Add a few drops ofRusting as a Redox Reaction
Br2
starch solution

Potassium
iodide, KI
solution
Observation
The electrode in the
potassium iodide, KI
solution acts as the
negative terminal, whereas
the electrode in the
bromine water acts as the
positive terminal.
Colourless potassium
iodide solution turns
brown. It formed a dark
blue colouration when the
brown solution is tested
with starch solution.
Brown bromine water turns
colourless.

Inference
Electrons flow from
potassium iodide, KI
solution to bromine
water, Br2 (aq).

Rust / hydrated iron(III) oxide,

Fe2O3xH2O formed slowly at
the surface of iron when it
exposed to the damp air.
Rusting a redox reaction that
take places between iron and
oxygen to form hydrated
iron(III) oxide and this is a slow
reaction.
4Fe(s) + 3O2(g) + 2xH2O(l) >
Fe2O3xH2O(s)

Iodine is
present.Iodide ions
have oxidised to
iodine.
Corrosion a redox reaction that take
places between a metal and the gases
in air. Metal is oxidised to form an
Bromines are
oxide layer on the surface. Metal
reduced to bromide
atoms lose electrons to form positive
ion.
ions.

Oxidation half-equation: 2I-(aq)

> I2(aq) + 2e

Reduction half-equation: Br2(aq)

+ 2e > 2Br-(aq)

Overall reaction: Br2(aq) + 2I(aq) > 2Br-(aq) + I2(aq)

Other pairs of reducing agent and

oxidising agent
Reducing agent
Oxidising agent
Potassium iodide,KI Iron(III) sulphate,Fe2(SO
solution
Potassium iodide,KI Acidified potassium

1. Group 1 metals are very

reactive.
2. Metals are exposed to air will
corrode rapidly and become
tarnished.
3. Aluminium, lead and zinc
corrode rapidly in the air and
forms an oxide layer. The oxide
layer is hard, non-porous,
impermeable and difficult to
crack. This protects the
aluminium, lead and zinc below
it from further corrosion.

Example: Corrosion of metal.

Zn(s) > Zn2+(aq) + 2e
Cu(s) > Cu2+(aq) + 2e
K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al, Zn, Fe, Sn, Pb,
Cu, Hg, Ag, Au
<Tendency of metal to corrode
increases.
Process of Rusting of Iron
1. Anode (negative terminal)
concentration of oxygen is lower
and iron rust (oxidation process)
to form iron(II) ions:
Fe(s) > Fe2+(aq) + 2e
2. Cathode (positive terminal)
concentration of oxygen is
higher and oxygen gains
electrons that reduced to
hydroxide ions:
O2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e > 4OH(aq)
2+

3. Fe ions and OH ions combine

to form iron(II) hydroxide,
Fe(OH)2
4. Oxygen further oxidises iron(II)
hydroxide, Fe(OH)2 to hydrated
iron(III) oxide, Fe2O3xH2O.
2Fe(OH)2(s) > Fe2O3xH2O(s)
The Effect of Other Metals on the
Rusting of Iron
Potassium hexacyanoferrate(III),
K3Fe(NO)6 is used to detect Fe2+ ions
(produces dark blue colour in the
presence of Fe2+).
Phenolphthalein is used to detect OHions
(produces pink colour in the presence
of OH-).
Test tube Observation

Reaction

Fe only
Control

Intensity of blue Oxidation:Fe(s) > Fe2+(aq

colour is low.
+ 2e
Pink colour is
Reduction:O2(g) + 2H2O(l)
not present.
e > 4OH-(aq)OH- ions rea
with Fe2+ ions to form
Fe(OH)2.
Inference
Fe nail rusts a little.

Test
Observation
tube
Fe & Mg Blue colour is
not present.
Intensity of pink
colour is very
high.
Inference

Reaction

Oxidation:Mg(s) > Mg2+(aq

+ 2e
Reduction:O2(g) + 2H2O(l) +
> 4OH-(aq)
Mg is corroded and Fe nail
does not rust.

i) Fe act as the (+) terminal (cathode)

ii) Mg act as the (-) terminal (anode)
Test
Observation
tube
Fe & Zn Blue colour is
not present.
Intensity of pink
colour is high.
Inference

Reaction

Oxidation:Zn(s) > Zn2+(aq

2e
Reduction:O2(g) + 2H2O(l) +
> 4OH-(aq)
Zn is corroded and Fe nail
does not rust.

i) Fe act as the (+) terminal (cathode)

ii) Zn act as the (-) terminal (anode)
Test
Observation
tube
Fe & Sn Intensity of blue
colour is high.
Pink colour is
not present.
Inference

Reaction

Oxidation:Fe (s) > Fe2+(aq

2e
Reduction:O2(g) + 2H2O(l) +
> 4OH-(aq)OH- ions react
with Fe2+ ions to form Fe(OH
Fe nail rusts quickly (high
rate).

i) Sn act as the (+) terminal (cathode)

ii) Fe act as the (-) terminal (anode)

Test
Observation
tube
Fe & Cu Intensity of blue
colour is very
high.
Pink colour is
not present.

Reaction
Oxidation:Fe (s) > Fe
2e

3. Apply oil and grease

Protective coating for machine
part

4. Alloying the iron Alloying

the iron with 18% chromium
Reduction:O2(g) + 2H
and 8% nickel that provide a
> 4OH-(aq)OH- ions react protective oxide coating.
with Fe2+ ions to form Fe(OH)
Inference
Fe nail rusts very quickly
5. (the
a) Tin plating (less
highest rate).
electropositive metal) Cans of
food (iron) is covered with a thin
layer of tin to provide a
i) Cu act as the (+) terminal (cathode)
protective oxide coating to the
ii) Fe act as the (-) terminal (anode)
cans.
b) Chrome plating
Iron nail does not rust if it has
contacted with more
6. Cathodic protection / Electrical
electropositive metals (Mg and
protection (more electropositive
Zn).
metal)
a) Galvanising (coat with zinc
Iron nail rusts quickly if it has
metal) Zinc layer provides a
contacted with less
protective oxide coating and
electropositive metals (Sn and
zinc is oxidized instead of iron.
Cu).
Iron cannot form ions, so it will
not rust.
Prevention of Rusting of Iron
b) Sacrificial protection
Blocks of magnesium are
The rate of rusting of iron decreases if
attached at the intervals of the
the iron (Fe) in contact with any of
water piping system & zinc bars
these metals: K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al and Zn.
are attached to the part of the
The rate of rusting of iron increases if
ship submerged in sea water.
the iron (Fe) in contact

with any of these metals: Sn,

Pb, Cu, Hg, Ag and Au.

a strong electrolyte (salt and

acid) is present.

Ways Used for Prevention of Rusting

1. Painting Protect iron surface
(prevent from contacting with
air and water)
2. Coat with plastic Used in
metal netting

SPM Chemistry Form 5

Terminology and Concepts:
Oxidation and Reduction (Part 9)
The Reactivity Series of Metals
and Its Application
1. Metal form metal oxides when burnt
in air (excess).
Metal + Oxygen > Metal oxide
Example: 2Zn(s) + O2(g) > 2ZnO(s)
2. The more reactive a metal is, the
more vigorously it burns in oxygen.

Reactivity of Metals
K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al, Zn, Fe, Sn, Pb,
Cu, Hg, Ag, Au
< increase in reactivity of metals
3. Reactivity of Metals with Oxygen.
Metal
Observation Inference
Magnesium Burns
The reactivity of
(Mg)
vigorously Mg towards O2 is
with a very very
brilliant
high.Magnesium
white
oxide is formed.
flame.The
residue is
white when
hot and
cold.
Zinc (Zn)
Burns
The reactivity of
quickly
Zn towards O2 is
with a
high.Zinc oxide
bright
is formed.
flame.The
residue is
yellow when
hot and
white when
cold.
Iron (Fe)
Glows very The reactivity of
brightly.The Fe towards O2 is
residue is
medium.Iron(III)
reddishoxide is formed.
brown when
hot and
cold.
Lead (Pb) Glows
The reactivity of
brightly.The Pb towards O2 is
residue is
low.Lead(II)
brown when oxide is formed.
hot and
yellow when
cold.
Copper (Cu) Glows
The reactivity of
faintly.The Cu towards O2 is
residue is
very
black when low.Copper(II)
hot and
oxide is formed.
cold.

Glass wool prevents metal

powder mixes with potassium
manganate(VII)

Solid potassium
manganate(VII) liberates
oxygen gas when it is heated /
decomposed.

2KMnO4(s) -> K2MnO4(s) + MnO2(s)

+ O2(g)
heat

Other than potassium

manganate(VII),

- solid potassium chlorate(V) with

manganese(IV) oxide as a catalyst.
MnO2
2KClO3(s) -> KCl(s) + 3O2(g)
heat
- solid potassium nitrate
2KNO3(s) -> KNO2(s) + O2(g)
heat
4. Position of Carbon in the Reactivity
Series of Metals
Reactivity Series
K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al, C, Zn, Fe, Sn, Pb, Cu,
Hg, Ag, Au
< increase in reactivity
a) Metal + Carbon dioxide >
Metal oxide + Carbon
Any metal above carbon in the
reactivity series can displace oxygen
from carbon dioxide.
Example: 2Mg(s) + CO2(g) > 2MgO(s)
+ C(s)
Mg: Reducing agent
CO2: Oxidising agent

MgO: White residue

C: Black spots

CuO(s) + H2(g) > Cu(s) +

H2O(l)

> Therefore, magnesium is more

reactive than carbon.
(If the metal is less reactive than
carbon, the metal is unable to remove
oxygen from carbon dioxide.)

Observation: Burns quickly with

a bright flame. The black solid
turns brown solid.

H2: Reducing agent

b) Carbon + Metal oxide > Carbon

dioxide + Metal

CuO: Oxidising agent

Hydrogen is more reactive than

copper.

Any metal below carbon in the

reactivity series can displace carbon
from its oxide.
Example: C(s) + 2ZnO(s) > 2Zn(s) +
CO2(g)
C: Reducing agent
ZnO: Oxidising agent
Zn: Grey residue
> Therefore, zinc is less reactive than
carbon.
(If carbon is less reactive than the
metal, the carbon is unable to remove
oxygen from metal oxide.)
SPM Chemistry Form 5
Terminology and Concepts:
Oxidation and Reduction (Part 10)
Position of Hydrogen in the
Reactivity Series of Metals
Reactivity Series
K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al, C, Zn, H, Fe, Sn, Pb,
Cu, Hg, Ag, Au
< increase in reactivity
Metal oxide + Hydrogen > Metal
+ Water
Any metal below hydrogen in the
reactivity series, hydrogen will reduce
the oxide of metal to metal.
Example 1:

Example 2:

PbO(s) + H2(g) > Pb(s) + H2O(l)

Observation: Burns with a bright

flame. The yellow solid turns
grey solid.

H2: Reducing agent

PbO: Oxidising agent

Hydrogen is more reactive than

lead.

Example 3:

Fe2O3(s) + 3H2(g) > 2Fe(s) +

3H2O(l)

Observation: Glows dimly. The

reddish-brown solid turns grey
solid.

H2: Reducing agent

Fe2O3: Oxidising agent

Hydrogen is more reactive than

iron.

Example 4:

ZnO(s) + H2(g) > no reaction

Observation: No glow is
observed. It turns yellow when
hot and white when cold.

Hydrogen is unable to reduce

zinc oxide. Hydrogen is less
reactive than zinc.

release electrons
at the anode.
Oxidising agent
gain electrons.
At negative Cathode.Reductio Anode.Oxidation
terminal
n occurs.
occurs.
Cations gain
electrons from
the cathode.

SPM Chemistry Form 5

Terminology and Concepts:
Oxidation and Reduction (Part 11)
Redox Reactions in Electrolytic
Cell and Chemical Cell
Similarities

Reducing agent
releases
electrons.

1) Redox Reactions in Electrolytic

Cell
Example 1: Electrolysis of molten zinc
chloride

redox reaction.

Anode: oxidation

Electrodes: Carbon

Cathode: reduction

Ions present: Cl- and Zn2+

Electrons flow from anode to

cathode in the external circuit

Anode: Oxidation / 2Cl-(l) >

Cl2(g) + 2e / Cl- ions act as
reducing agent.

Cathode: Reduction / Zn2+(l) +

2e > Zn(s) / Zn2+ ions act as
oxidising agent.

Differences
Differences

Electrolytic Cell Chemical Cell /

(Electrolysis)
Voltaic Cell
Structure
With electrical
No electrical Example 2: Electrolysis of copper(II)
supply.
supply.
sulphate solution.
Electrodes
Can be the same Must be two
or difference
different metals. Electrodes: Carbon
metal (graphite
or platinum).
Ions present: Cu2+, SO42-, H+, OHFlows of
From anode to
From more
electrons
cathode through electropositive OH- ions are discharged
external circuit. metal to less
because OH- ion is below SO42electropositive
ion in electrochemistry series.
metal through
Anode: Oxidation / 4OH-(aq) >
external circuit.
O2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e / Oxygen
Transformati Electrical energy Chemical energy gas is liberated.
on of energy to chemical
to electrical
energy.
energy.
Cu2+ ions are discharged
2+
+
At positive Anode.Oxidation Cathode.Reductio because Cu ion is below H ion
in electrochemistry series.
terminal
occurs. Anions
n occurs.
Cathode: Reduction / Cu2+(aq) +

2e > Cu(s) / Cu2+ ions are

reduced to copper metal (brown
layer formed).

> Overall equation: Cu2+(aq) +

4OH-(aq) > O2(g) + 2H2O(l) +
Cu(s)

Example 3: Electrolysis of copper(II)

sulphate solution.

Electrodes: Copper
2+

2-

Ions present: Cu , SO4 , H , OH

OH- ions and SO42- ion are not

discharged.
Anode: Oxidation / Cu(s) >
Cu2+(aq) + 2e / Copper anode
(electrode) dissolves.

electrochemistry series. (H+ ions

and Na+ ion are placed very far
apart in the electrochemical
series, the concentration factor
becomes unimportant.)
Cathode: Reduction / 2H+(aq) +
2e > H2(g) / Hydrogen gas is
liberated.

Cu2+ ions are discharged

because Cu2+ ion is below H+ ion
in electrochemistry series.
Cathode: Reduction / Cu2+(aq) +
2e > Cu(s) / Cu2+ ions are
reduced to copper metal.

2) Redox Reactions in Chemical

Cell
Example 1: Daniel cell

Anode (negative terminal):

Oxidation / Zinc strip immerses
in zinc sulphate solution.
Zn(s) > Zn2+(aq) + 2e / Zinc
strip becomes thinner.

Cathode (positive terminal):

Reduction / Copper strip
immerses in copper(II) sulphate
solution.
Cu2+(aq) + 2e > Cu(s) / A
brown layer formed around
copper strip. / Concentration
Cu2+ ions decreases cause the
intensity blue colour of solution
decreases.

Zinc is more electropositive

than copper. Electrons are
flowed from zinc strip to copper
strip through the external
circuit. (Note: Conventionally,
electrons flow in the opposite
direction of electrical current).

> Overall equation: Zn(s) +

Cu2+(aq) > Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s)

Example 4: Electrolysis of
concentrated sodium chloride solution.

Electrodes: Carbon

Ions present: Na+, Cl-, H+, OH-

Cl- ions are discharged because

of the higher concentration.
(Concentration of Cl- ion is high,
the ion is selectively discharged
rather than the OH- ion, the one
that is placed below the
electrochemical series.)
Anode: Oxidation / 2Cl-(aq) >
Cl2(g) + 2e / Chlorine gas (green
gas with choking smell) is
liberated.

H+ ions are discharged because

Na+ ion is below H+ ion in

> Overall equation: 2Cl-(aq) +

2H+(aq) > Cl2(g) + H2(g)

SPM Chemistry Form 5

Terminology and Concepts:
Oxidation and Reduction (Part 11)

Redox Reactions in Electrolytic

Cell and Chemical Cell

1) Redox Reactions in Electrolytic

Cell

Similarities

Example 1: Electrolysis of molten zinc

chloride

redox reaction.

Anode: oxidation

Cathode: reduction

Electrons flow from anode to

cathode in the external circuit

Differences

Electrodes: Carbon

Ions present: Cl- and Zn2+

Anode: Oxidation / 2Cl-(l) >

Cl2(g) + 2e / Cl- ions act as
reducing agent.

Cathode: Reduction / Zn2+(l) +

2e > Zn(s) / Zn2+ ions act as
oxidising agent.

Differences

Electrolytic Cell Chemical Cell /

(Electrolysis)
Voltaic Cell
Example 2: Electrolysis of copper(II)
Structure
With electrical
No electrical
sulphate solution.
supply.
supply.
Electrodes
Can be the same Must be two
Electrodes: Carbon
or difference
different metals.
metal (graphite
Ions present: Cu2+, SO42-, H+, OHor platinum).
Flows of
From anode to
From more
OH- ions are discharged
electrons
cathode through electropositive
because OH- ion is below SO42external circuit. metal to less
ion in electrochemistry series.
electropositive
Anode: Oxidation / 4OH-(aq) >
metal through
O2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e / Oxygen
external circuit.
gas is liberated.
Transformati Electrical energy Chemical energy
on of energy to chemical
to electrical
Cu2+ ions are discharged
energy.
energy.
because Cu2+ ion is below H+ ion
At positive Anode.Oxidation Cathode.Reductio in electrochemistry series.
Cathode: Reduction / Cu2+(aq) +
terminal
occurs. Anions
n occurs.
2e > Cu(s) / Cu2+ ions are
release electrons
reduced to copper metal (brown
at the anode.
Oxidising agent
layer formed).
gain electrons.
At negative Cathode.Reductio Anode.Oxidation
terminal
n occurs.
occurs.
Cations gain
electrons from
the cathode.

> Overall equation: Cu2+(aq) +

4OH-(aq) > O2(g) + 2H2O(l) +
Cu(s)

Reducing agent
Example 3: Electrolysis of copper(II)
releases
electrons. sulphate solution.

Electrodes: Copper

Ions present: Cu2+, SO42-, H+, OH-

OH- ions and SO42- ion are not

discharged.
Anode: Oxidation / Cu(s) >
Cu2+(aq) + 2e / Copper anode
(electrode) dissolves.

Cu2+ ions are discharged

because Cu2+ ion is below H+ ion
in electrochemistry series.
Cathode: Reduction / Cu2+(aq) +
2e > Cu(s) / Cu2+ ions are
reduced to copper metal.

Cathode: Reduction / 2H+(aq) +

2e > H2(g) / Hydrogen gas is
liberated.

2) Redox Reactions in Chemical

Cell
Example 1: Daniel cell

Anode (negative terminal):

Oxidation / Zinc strip immerses
in zinc sulphate solution.
Zn(s) > Zn2+(aq) + 2e / Zinc
strip becomes thinner.

Cathode (positive terminal):

Reduction / Copper strip
immerses in copper(II) sulphate
solution.
Cu2+(aq) + 2e > Cu(s) / A
brown layer formed around
copper strip. / Concentration
Cu2+ ions decreases cause the
intensity blue colour of solution
decreases.

Zinc is more electropositive

than copper. Electrons are
flowed from zinc strip to copper
strip through the external
circuit. (Note: Conventionally,
electrons flow in the opposite
direction of electrical current).

> Overall equation: Zn(s) +

Cu2+(aq) > Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s)

Example 4: Electrolysis of
concentrated sodium chloride solution.

Electrodes: Carbon

Ions present: Na+, Cl-, H+, OH-

Cl- ions are discharged because

of the higher concentration.
(Concentration of Cl- ion is high,
the ion is selectively discharged
rather than the OH- ion, the one
that is placed below the
electrochemical series.)
Anode: Oxidation / 2Cl-(aq) >
Cl2(g) + 2e / Chlorine gas (green
gas with choking smell) is
liberated.

H+ ions are discharged because

Na+ ion is below H+ ion in
electrochemistry series. (H+ ions
and Na+ ion are placed very far
apart in the electrochemical
series, the concentration factor
becomes unimportant.)

> Overall equation: 2Cl-(aq) +

2H+(aq) > Cl2(g) + H2(g)