Chemistry
Reversing Oxidation and Reduction
Students say oxidation is gaining electrons and reduction is losing electrons.
Quick check
Why students make it
The words sound like everyday ideas, where reduction feels like losing something. Students may also focus on oxygen or charge signs instead of tracking electrons or oxidation numbers.
The rule done right
Oxidation is loss of electrons, and reduction is gain of electrons. Use OIL RIG or LEO GER, and remember that an oxidation number increases during oxidation and decreases during reduction.
Related resources
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Chemistry, Oxidation and Reduction Half-Reactions Infographic -
Chemistry, Oxidation Numbers Infographic -
Redox Reactions Infographic -
Chemistry, What oxidation and reduction mean in redox reactions (OIL RIG) Infographic -
Chemistry, Which electrode undergoes which reaction (AN OX, RED CAT) Infographic - Electron transfer in redox reactions (LEO says GER) Memory Aid Cheat Sheet
- What oxidation and reduction mean in redox reactions (OIL RIG) Memory Aid Cheat Sheet
- Which electrode undergoes which reaction (AN OX, RED CAT) Memory Aid Cheat Sheet
- Oxidation Number Assignment Rules and Worked Examples Cheat Sheet
- Balancing Redox Equations by Half-Reaction Method Cheat Sheet
- Science, Redox Reactions and Electrochemistry Worksheet
- Chemistry, Electron Transfer in Redox Reactions (LEO Says GER) Practice Worksheet
- Chemistry, What Oxidation and Reduction Mean in Redox Reactions (OIL RIG) Practice Worksheet
- Chemistry, Which Electrode Undergoes Which Reaction (AN OX, RED CAT) Practice Worksheet
- Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Galvanic and Electrolytic Cells Worksheet
- Oxidation-Reduction (Redox) Calculator Tool
- Electrochemistry Cell Builder Tool
- Balance Chemical Equations Tool
- Electrochemistry Lab Lab
- Electrolysis & Metal Plating Lab Lab
- Reaction Types Lab Lab