⚛️ Redox Reactions — Oxidation, Reduction & Electrochemistry

Redox reactions are more than just electron transfers—they power batteries, biology, and DAT questions.
Expect problems involving oxidation numbers, reaction balancing, and cell diagram interpretation.
This guide will help you simplify the redox rules and crush electrochemistry questions with confidence.

🔋 What Are Redox Reactions?

Redox = Reduction + Oxidation

• Oxidation: Loss of electrons

• Reduction: Gain of electrons
  📌 DAT Memory Trick: OIL RIG (Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain)

🧮 Assigning Oxidation Numbers

Rule	Example
Element alone = 0	O₂, Fe, Cl₂
Group 1/2 metals = +1 / +2	Na⁺, Ca²⁺
Oxygen = –2 (peroxides = –1)	H₂O (–2), H₂O₂ (–1)
Hydrogen = +1 (–1 w/ metals)	HCl (+1), LiH (–1)
Halogens = –1 (except w/ O)	NaCl (–1), ClO₄⁻

⚖️ How to Balance Redox Reactions (Acidic Solution)

1. Balance all elements except O and H

2. Balance O using H₂O

3. Balance H using H⁺

4. Balance charges with e⁻

5. Combine half-reactions and cancel species

✅ For basic solutions, add OH⁻ to both sides to neutralize extra H⁺.

⚡ Galvanic vs. Electrolytic Cells

Feature	Galvanic Cell	Electrolytic Cell
Spontaneous?	Yes (ΔG < 0)	No (ΔG > 0)
Energy Source	Generates current	Requires external power
Anode	Oxidation (–)	Oxidation (+)
Cathode	Reduction (+)	Reduction (–)
Electron Flow	Anode → Cathode	Anode → Cathode
Example	Batteries	Electroplating

📌 DAT Tip: AnOx & RedCat = Anode Oxidation, Cathode Reduction

🧠 Redox DAT Question Types

• “Assign oxidation numbers to each atom”

• “Balance this redox reaction in acid/base”

• “Which species is reduced?”

• “What’s the function of the salt bridge?”

• “What is the direction of electron flow?”

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✅ Summary

• Redox = oxidation + reduction; track electrons

• Assign oxidation numbers based on key rules

• Use half-reactions to balance redox in acidic/basic media

• Understand how electrochemical cells function and label components

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