Redox!! It's shocking!!!!

We started talking about redox chemistry on Monday, reviewing oxidation numbers. Then we talked about a step-by-step approach to balancing redox equations. You don't always have to use every step for every redox equation, but if you run into a real "ugly" redox equation it's helpful.

Today we took another look at balancing redox and tried to decide how to determine if a redox reaction is spontaneous or not. We can physically separate the two half reactions of a redox process and assemble a voltaic cell. The direction of electron flow in the external circuit of a voltaic cell indicates the spontaneous process with the electrons flowing from the anode (oxidation) to the cathode (reduction).

I'm still trying to nail down a date for Exam 4. If you have a conflict (lots of exams, papers due, presentations, etc.) on April 29th, May 4th or May 6th, send me an email TODAY and let me know what your conflict is. I will look at everyone's conflicts and make a decision on the date tomorrow morning.