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Define the following in terms of gain or loss of hydrogen with one example each: (i) Oxidation (ii) reduction (b) When a magnesium ribbon is heated, it burns in air to form magnesium oxide. Write a balanced chemical equation for this reaction. Name (i) substance oxidised, and (ii) substance reduced.

ChemistryClass 10ICSEAnswered 27 Mar 2026
Answer

Oxidation is removal of hydrogen and reduction is gaining of hydrogen. By taking an example Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO2

Fe got reduced here and Carbon got oxidized by gaining oxygen

(b) 2Mg + O2→ 2MgO

(i) Substance oxidized is Mg (ii) Substance reduced is O2

Chemistry · Class 10