Redox Tracker (Oxidation Numbers)
Analyse any redox reaction you type, see who is oxidised and reduced, then test yourself.
Use -> for the arrow and + (with spaces) between species. Plain numbers are subscripts: Ca(OH)2. Write ion charges with a caret: Cu^2+, MnO4^-, Fe^3+, H^+.
| Element | Oxidation number | Electrons | What happened |
|---|
Show every oxidation number
Test yourself
Work out the oxidation number of every element, then answer the three questions. Use + or − signs (for example +5, -2).
Electrons transferred0
Oxidising agent–
Reducing agent–
Things to try
- Type your own reaction, for example Sn^2+ + Fe^3+ -> Sn^4+ + Fe^2+
- Try Cu + HNO3 -> Cu(NO3)2 + NO2 + H2O and find which element changes oxidation number.
- Press Test myself, fill in every oxidation number, then press Check.
- Find the disproportionation example: one species is both oxidised and reduced.
What you can learn
- Oxidation is loss of electrons and reduction is gain of electrons (OIL RIG).
- The species that is oxidised is the reducing agent.
- The species that is reduced is the oxidising agent.
Frequently asked questions
What does OIL RIG mean?
Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain, of electrons.
Can oxidation happen without reduction?
No. Electrons lost by one species must be gained by another, so the two always happen together.