Electrolysis and redox
2 marks · EasyAn aluminium ion (Al) gains 3 electrons during electrolysis.
(a)[1 mark]
State whether this process is oxidation or reduction.
(b)[1 mark]
Explain your answer using the OILRIG mnemonic.
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(a) Reduction
(b) OILRIG means 'Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain (of electrons)', so gaining electrons is reduction.
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Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · States reduction.
B1 (b) · 1 mark · Explains using OILRIG that reduction is gain of electrons.
Worked solution
a) This is reduction.
b) According to OILRIG, reduction is gain of electrons, so because Al gains electrons, it is reduction.