Chemical reactions: oxidation
I can describe oxidation reactions, including combustion and rusting, and name the products of some oxidation reactions.
Chemical reactions: oxidation
I can describe oxidation reactions, including combustion and rusting, and name the products of some oxidation reactions.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Combustion requires fuel, heat and oxygen, and will not happen without one of them.
- When a substance reacts to combine with oxygen, this is called oxidation.
- Examples of oxidation are combustion and rusting.
- One of the products of oxidation is always an oxide, but the other products vary.
Keywords
Oxidation - a type of reaction in which oxygen bonds to elements of the reactants
Oxide - a compound containing oxygen that is formed during an oxidation reaction
Rusting - refers to the corrosion of iron or steel, in the presence of water and oxygen
Corrosion - when a metal reduces in size due to a chemical reaction
Common misconception
Pupils often think that all metals rust.
Explain that rust is a form of iron oxide and show pupils other examples of metal oxides, e.g. copper oxide, to show how different they are.
Equipment
Copper, magnesium, iron wool, Bunsen burner, heat resistant mat, tongs.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Substances present at the start of a reaction.
Substances formed by a chemical reaction.
A symbolic representation of a chemical reaction.
The classification of a chemical reaction.
Exit quiz
6 Questions
The corrosion of iron or steel in the presence of water and oxygen.
When a metal reduces in size due to a chemical reaction.
A reaction in which oxygen bonds to elements of the reactants.