Electron Transfer

Oxidation and reduction

An interactive lesson with 6 steps, about 5 minutes: you predict, drag and solve, with instant feedback on every answer. It runs in your browser and needs JavaScript.

What you’ll learn

• Oxidation is loss of electrons, reduction is gain (OIL RIG); they come together.
• Oxidation numbers track electrons; they add up to the overall charge.
• Balance half-equations: O with H₂O, H with H⁺, charge with e⁻.

Steps

1. Losing and gaining
2. Who is oxidised?
3. Oxidation numbers
4. Manganese in permanganate
5. Balance a half-equation
6. Sulfur in sulfuric acid