Oxidation – Reduction (Redox) Reactions – Balancing Redox Reactions
Oxidation / Reduction reactions - Balancing redox reactions Redox Reactions – Balancing Redox Reactions In many important chemical reactions, electrons are transferred from atom to atom. Such reactions are called either oxidation – reduction reactions or redox reactions . Many important chemical reactions involve oxidation and reduction. In fact, most reactions used for energy production are redox reactions. In living species the oxidation of sugars, fats, and proteins provides the energy necessary for life. The electric current from the batteries that power computers and cell phones is generated by oxidation-reduction reactions. One of the most familiar redox reactions is corrosion of a metal. Corrosion is the conversion of a metal into a metal compound by a reaction between the metal and some substance in its environment. When a metal corrodes, each metal atom loses electrons and a cation is formed, which can combine with an anion to form an ionic comp...