• To recap, there are three definitions of?oxidation?and?reduction? used in different branches of chemistry
• Oxidation?and?reduction?can be used to describe any of the following processes

Definitions and Examples of Oxidation & Reduction

Use the acronym "Oil Rig" to help you remember the definitions of oxidation and reduction

• s-block elements are usually oxidised by losing electrons to form 1+ and 2+ ions

Na → Na+?+ e–

Ca?→ Ca2+?+ 2e–

• p-block metals typically undergo oxidation, by losing electrons, to form positive ions
  • p-block metal ions can have a charge that is consistent with their group of the Periodic Table

Al → Al3+?+ 3e–

• • p-block metal ions can also form common ions with a charge that is not consistent with their group

Sn → Sn2+?+ 2e–

• p-block non-metals are usually reduced, by gaining electrons, to form negative ions
  • p-block non-metals form ions with a charge that can be calculated by (the group number - 8)

F + e-?→ F–?(group 7 - 8 = -1)

O +?2e–?→ O2-?(group 6 - 8 = -2)

• d-block elements can form various ions due to their variable oxidation states
  • d-block elements will usually be oxidised, by losing electrons, to form positive ions, e.g. Cu2+, Cr3+, V5+