Chemical reduction

Definition

Chemical reduction is a process in which an element or compound gains electrons, resulting in a decrease in its oxidation state. It often occurs alongside oxidation in redox reactions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Reduction always involves the gain of electrons by a molecule, atom, or ion.
2. In metallurgy, metals are typically extracted from ores through chemical reduction using agents like carbon or hydrogen.
3. A reducing agent donates electrons and itself gets oxidized in the process of reduction.
4. Common reducing agents include carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H₂), and certain metal elements such as sodium (Na).
5. The opposite process of reduction is oxidation, where a substance loses electrons.

Review Questions

• What happens to the oxidation state of an element during chemical reduction?
• Name two common reducing agents used in the extraction of metals from their ores.
• How does chemical reduction relate to redox reactions?

Related terms

Oxidation:

A chemical process where a substance loses electrons, resulting in an increase in its oxidation state.

Redox Reaction:

A type of chemical reaction that involves both reduction and oxidation processes occurring simultaneously.

Reducing Agent:

A substance that donates electrons to another species, causing itself to be oxidized while reducing the other species.