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Because for oxidation to take place the electrons lost by the substance that is oxidized must be accepted by atoms or ions of another substance.

Also, for reduction to occur the electrons gained by the substance that is being reduced must be transferred from the atoms of ions of another substance.

Therefore, oxidation and reduction are complementary processes: that is to say that oxidation cannot occur without reduction and visa versus.

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Q: Why must oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously?
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What should oxidation numbers add up to?

Zero. The oxidation of one compound must be matched by the reduction of another.


What type of reactions occur when a chemical substance loses electrons to another substance?

If one substance is losing electrons (where it is gaining charge, or oxidizing), we must assume those electrons are going to another substance in the reaction, which will cause the charge to go down, or reduce. This type of equation is called a Redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction.


Part of a reaction that involves only oxidation or reduction is a?

It's not entirely clear what the question is asking... but oxidation involves the loss of electrons from an atom or ion, and reduction involves the gain of electrons. The other parts of a redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction may involve atoms forming and breaking bonds, but the oxidation or reduction part is just about losing or gaining electrons. You might be talking about what is called a "half-reaction." A half-reaction is the part of the reaction that is only either the oxidation step or the reduction step. Neither is a complete reaction, but put together the two half-reactions give the overall reactions. In the oxidation half-reaction, electrons come out as products, and in the reduction half-reaction electrons go in as reactants. Remember: OIL RIG Oxidation Is Loss; Reduction Is Gain.


What is an oxidation reaction?

A reaction in which an atom loses 1 or more electrons. the attachment between atoms resulting in atoms sharing one or more pairs of electrons


What is the oxidation number of ZnCl?

The compound has no charge. This means that the positive oxidation numbers must equal the negative oxidation numbers. Cl has an oxidation number of -1. Therefore, Zn must have an oxidation number of +1.

Related questions

Does Oxidation and reduction reactions occur at the same time?

Yes, an element can undergo both oxidation and reduction in the same reaction. The reaction between Zinc and Copper Sulphate is a perfect example. This type of reaction is called a redox reaction.


How are oxidation's and reduction related?

They must always occur in the same reaction; if one element or compound is oxidized, another one must be reduced.


What components are needed for oxidation to occur?

what must be present for oxidation-reduction to occur?


Is it possible to have a reaction in which oxidation takes place but reduction does not?

Oxidation is characterized by the loss of electrons, and reduction is characterized by the gain of electrons. Since there must be an electron loser and an electron receiver, oxidation and reduction are always complimentary.


What should oxidation numbers add up to?

Zero. The oxidation of one compound must be matched by the reduction of another.


Why the oxidation reduction titration must be in basic medium?

It is not mandatory; acids are also titrated.


What type of reactions occur when a chemical substance loses electrons to another substance?

If one substance is losing electrons (where it is gaining charge, or oxidizing), we must assume those electrons are going to another substance in the reaction, which will cause the charge to go down, or reduce. This type of equation is called a Redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction.


A molecule that gives up an electron to another molecule which snaps it up must be referring to?

oxidation-reduction reaction


Part of a reaction that involves only oxidation or reduction is a?

It's not entirely clear what the question is asking... but oxidation involves the loss of electrons from an atom or ion, and reduction involves the gain of electrons. The other parts of a redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction may involve atoms forming and breaking bonds, but the oxidation or reduction part is just about losing or gaining electrons. You might be talking about what is called a "half-reaction." A half-reaction is the part of the reaction that is only either the oxidation step or the reduction step. Neither is a complete reaction, but put together the two half-reactions give the overall reactions. In the oxidation half-reaction, electrons come out as products, and in the reduction half-reaction electrons go in as reactants. Remember: OIL RIG Oxidation Is Loss; Reduction Is Gain.


Why does a reduction reactions always accompany an oxidation reaction?

Redox. You can't have the re without the dox, or is that ox without the red? You can't throw away electrons, nor will electrons pop out of thin air.Oxidation is the loss of electrons, reduction is the gain of electrons. In order for one atom to lose electrons another atom must gain them. Hence, reduction must be accompanied by oxidation and vice versa.


Why is oxidation and reduction processes are complementary?

Oxidation is loss of electrons. Reduction is gain of electrons.Therefore in a redox reaction one substance will lose electrons which the other picks up and gains.So the complimentary part is because in order for one substance to gain electrons another in the system must be losing them.I think that is what is meant - although it has been many years indeed!-from von2 posadas of EN 4A UE Caloocan


What happens to atoms in a oxidation reduction reaction?

The oxidation state of one atom increases while another decreases.