Redox reactions
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write half-equations and balanced ionic equations.
Key learning points
- Oxidation is the loss of electrons and reduction is the gain of electrons.
- Half equations can be written to show which species are oxidised and which are reduced.
- Ionic equations can be written for displacement reactions.
Keywords
Oxidation - Oxidation is a type of reaction in which a substance gains oxygen or loses electrons.
Reduction - Reduction is a type of reaction in which a substance loses oxygen or gains electrons.
Half equation - A half equation is a chemical equation used to show the electrons lost in oxidation or the electrons gained in reduction.
Redox reaction - A redox reaction is a reaction where both reduction and oxidation occur.
Common misconception
To show the spectator ions in an ionic equation.
Spectator ions are ions that remain the same throughout a reaction. They are not included in the ionic equation.
Teacher tip
The acronym OILRIG could be introduced to help students remember Oxidation Is Loss of electrons and Reduction Is Gain of electrons.
Equipment
None required.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the definition with the correct key term.
is the building block of all matter
an atom or group of atoms with a positive or negative charge
is made up of only one type of atom
is made up of 2 or more different elements chemically bonded together
Q2.What has been oxidised in this reaction? Zinc oxide + carbon → carbon dioxide + zinc
Q3.What has been reduced in this reaction? Iron oxide + magnesium → magnesium oxide + iron.
Q4.What key term is used to describe reactions where a more reactive element takes the place of a less reactive element in a compound?
Q5.Match the group in the periodic table with the correct charge on their ions.
+1
+2
+3
-2
-1
Q6.What is the correct formula and charge of a nitrate ion?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following statements are true?
Q2.What is the name of a reaction which involves both reduction and oxidation?
Q3.Which of the following statements are true for this half equation: Ca → Caᐩ² + 2eᐨ?
Q4.Which is the correct half equation for the reduction of Liᐩ?
Q5.What do we not include in ionic equations for reactions?
Q6.What is the missing product in this overall ionic equation: Cuᐩ² + Al → Alᐩ³ + ___?
To help you plan your 11 chemistry lesson on: Redox reactions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 chemistry lesson on: Redox reactions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
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