- Reduction Reaction Examples with Balanced Equations
Reduction reactions involve the gain of electrons by a substance. Here are 5 examples of reduction reactions with their balanced equations:
- Lithium metal reacting with oxygen gas:
2Li(s) + O2(g) → 2Li2O(s)
In this reaction, lithium gains electrons from oxygen to form lithium oxide.
- Copper(II) ions reacting with zinc metal:
Cu^2+(aq) + Zn(s) → Cu(s) + Zn^2+(aq)
In this reaction, zinc loses electrons to copper ions, resulting in the formation of copper metal.
- Iron(III) ions reacting with hydrogen gas:
2Fe^3+(aq) + 3H2(g) → 2Fe(s) + 6H^+(aq)
Iron(III) ions gain electrons from hydrogen gas to form iron metal and hydrogen ions.
- Chlorine gas reacting with sodium bromide:
Cl2(g) + 2NaBr(aq) → 2NaCl(aq) + Br2(l)
In this reaction, chlorine gains electrons from bromide ions to form bromine while sodium ions are exchanged.
- Potassium permanganate reacting with iron(II) sulfate:
2KMnO4(aq) + 5FeSO4(aq) + 8H2SO4(aq) → K2SO4(aq) + 5Fe2(SO4)3(aq) + 2MnSO4(aq) + 8H2O(l)
In this reaction, potassium permanganate gains electrons from iron(II) ions to form manganese ions and iron(III) ions.
These examples illustrate the process of reduction reactions where a substance gains electrons, leading to the formation of new compounds. Balancing the equations ensures that the number of atoms of each element remains the same on both sides of the reaction.