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Ch.19 - Electrochemistry
Chapter 19, Problem 43b

Classify each of the following unbalanced half-reactions as either an oxidation or a reduction. (b) H2O2(aq) → O2(g)

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Oxidation and Reduction

Oxidation and reduction are chemical processes that involve the transfer of electrons between species. Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons, resulting in an increase in oxidation state, while reduction involves the gain of electrons, leading to a decrease in oxidation state. These processes are always coupled, meaning that when one species is oxidized, another must be reduced.
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Half-Reactions

Half-reactions are equations that show either the oxidation or reduction process separately, allowing for a clearer understanding of electron transfer. In a half-reaction, the species undergoing oxidation will show a loss of electrons, while the species undergoing reduction will show a gain. This method is particularly useful in balancing redox reactions and identifying the roles of different reactants.
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Oxidation States

Oxidation states (or oxidation numbers) are assigned to atoms in a compound to indicate their degree of oxidation or reduction. They help in determining how many electrons are lost or gained during a reaction. In the case of H2O2 → O2, analyzing the oxidation states of oxygen in both species reveals that oxygen in H2O2 has a lower oxidation state than in O2, indicating that it is being oxidized.
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