Chemistry

OIL RIG

Oxidation Is Loss Reduction Is Gain

Helps you remember what oxidation and reduction mean in redox reactions.

✨ Tap to flipOxidation Is Loss Reduction Is Gain

Quick self-quiz

Reveal allReset

Tap each word to check what it stands for.

• O?
• I?
• L?
• R?
• I?
• G?

When to use it

Use it when identifying which species is oxidized and which is reduced in any redox equation.

Example

In the reaction $\text{Zn} + \text{Cu}^{2+} \to \text{Zn}^{2+} + \text{Cu}$, zinc loses electrons (OIL, oxidized) and copper ions gain electrons (RIG, reduced).

Common mistake

Confusing the two halves. Oxidation is the loss side, so the species giving up electrons is always the one being oxidized.