Reduksjonshalvreaksjonen

Reduksjonshalvreaksjonen is a concept in electrochemistry that describes the process where a chemical species gains electrons, resulting in a decrease in its oxidation state. This is one of the two half-reactions that constitute a complete redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction, the other being the oxidation half-reaction, where a species loses electrons. In a reduction half-reaction, the species that accepts the electrons is known as the oxidizing agent.

Common examples of reduction half-reactions include the reduction of metal ions to their elemental form, such as the reduction of copper(II) ions to copper metal (Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Cu) or the reduction of hydrogen ions to hydrogen gas (2H⁺ + 2e⁻ → H₂). In aqueous solutions, water can also be reduced under certain conditions. The reduction half-reaction is crucial for understanding processes like electroplating, battery operation, and corrosion. The tendency of a species to undergo reduction is quantified by its standard reduction potential, a measure of how easily it gains electrons under standard conditions. A more positive standard reduction potential indicates a greater tendency for reduction.