The document explains redox reactions, focusing on electron transfer between reactants. It details the oxidation of zinc, where zinc loses electrons to become positively charged, and the reduction of copper ions from copper(II) sulfate, which gain electrons to form solid copper. Spectator ions, such as sulfate, do not undergo any changes during the reaction.

1. Redox reactionsReduction – oxidation reaction

2. Electron transfer occurs
Reactant 1
Reactant
2
e-
Undergoes
oxidation
Undergoes
reduction

3. ThisisaRix-Table(ora
REDOXtable)
It helps you
to write the
oxidation
and
reduction
half
reactions.

4. The reaction between Zinc and
Copper (II) sulphate

5. Zn atoms (atoms are always electrically neutral)
loses two electrons, becoming positively charged
Zn-ions.
Zn  Zn2+ + 2e-
Oxidation: electrons lost

6. Copper(II)sulphate consist of copper ions and
sulfate ions. Electrons from the Zn-atoms are
transferred to the copper ions. The copper ions gain
the electrons and copper atoms forms. They
combine to form a copper precipitate in the
solution.
Cu2+ + 2e-  Cu
Reduction: electrons gained

7. The sulphate ions are spectator
ions.
Spectator ions are present in a reaction, without
experiencing oxidation or reduction.

8. Slide 4: http://images.flatworldknowledge.com/averillfwk/averillfwk-fig19_002.jpg
A. Olivier; Physical Sciences Book 2 Chemistry 2nd edition 2013