Electrolysis and redox
3 marks · NormalA student wants to remember whether oxidation or reduction involves losing or gaining electrons.
State the mnemonic used to remember this.
What does each letter in the mnemonic stand for?
Explain, using the mnemonic, what happens to an ion that gains electrons.
Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.
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(a) OILRIG
(b) Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain (of electrons).
(c) It is reduced (reduction is gain of electrons).
Common mistakes: Mixing up meaning of the I and G in OILRIG.; Saying oxidation gains electrons.
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Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · States OILRIG as the mnemonic.
B1 (b) · 1 mark · Gives the meaning: Oxidation Is Loss (of electrons), Reduction Is Gain (of electrons).
M1 (c) · 1 mark · Uses the mnemonic to state ions gaining electrons are reduced.
Worked solution
a. OILRIG
b. Oxidation Is Loss (of electrons), Reduction Is Gain (of electrons).
c. The ion is reduced, because reduction is gain of electrons.