Redoxpárhoz

Redoxpárhoz refers to a pair of chemical species that are interconverted by the gain or loss of electrons. In a redox reaction, one species is oxidized, meaning it loses electrons, and another species is reduced, meaning it gains electrons. These two processes always occur simultaneously. The oxidized species becomes the reduced form of the redox pair, and the reduced species becomes the oxidized form. For example, in the reaction between iron and copper ions, iron (Fe) is oxidized to iron(II) ions (Fe^2+), and copper(II) ions (Cu^2+) are reduced to copper metal (Cu). Here, the redox pair is Fe/Fe^2+ and Cu^2+/Cu. The species that readily loses electrons is called a reducing agent, and it becomes oxidized. Conversely, the species that readily gains electrons is called an oxidizing agent, and it becomes reduced. The concept of redox pairs is fundamental to understanding electron transfer in chemical reactions, including processes like combustion, corrosion, and the functioning of electrochemical cells such as batteries and fuel cells. The relative tendency of a species to gain or lose electrons is quantified by its standard electrode potential, which helps predict the direction and feasibility of redox reactions.