IB Chemistry Topic R3.2 Electron transfer reactions - Introduction to RedOx

Content for the new syllabus; first assessment 2025. Guiding Question What happens when electrons are transferred? Understandings Reactivity 3.2.1—Oxidation and reduction can be described in terms of electron transfer, change in oxidation state, oxygen gain/loss or hydrogen loss/gain. Reactivity 3.2.2—Half-equations separate the processes of oxidation and reduction, showing the loss or gain of electrons. Reactivity 3.2.3—The relative ease of oxidation and reduction of an element in a group can be predicted from its position in the periodic table. The reactions between metals and aqueous metal ions demonstrate the relative ease of oxidation of different metals. Reactivity 3.2.4—Acids react with reactive metals to release hydrogen. There are separate videos for R3.2.6-8 Electrchemical cells and for R3.2.9-11 Organic functional groups