A cut apple turns brown, and a piece of iron turns reddish brown in damp air.
Contributed by StemPy LabTry it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
A cut apple turns brown, and a piece of iron turns reddish brown in damp air.
- What kind of reaction is happening in both?
- Give one way to slow down each change.
Need a reminder? The key ideaShow
Oxidation is a gain of oxygen or a loss of hydrogen; reduction is a loss of oxygen or a gain of hydrogen. They happen together. The oxidising agent gives oxygen (or takes hydrogen) and is itself reduced; the reducing agent takes oxygen (or gives hydrogen) and is itself oxidised.
The worked solution
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Step 1. (a) Both are oxidations: the apple and the iron gain oxygen from the air.
Step 2. (b) Apple: sprinkle lemon juice or keep it in an airtight box. Iron: paint or oil it.
Answer: (a) oxidation. (b) lemon juice or an airtight box; paint or oil.
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