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Electrons Passed

Part of the Oxidation and Reduction section of Coddy's Chemistry journey. Lesson 9 of 27.

Electrons lost = electrons gained. Balance the equation first.

Count: atoms of the oxidized element × the rise in its number. 2Mg + O₂ → 2MgO: 2 × 2 = 4 electrons.

The reduced side gives the same number: 2 O atoms × 2 = 4.

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Challenge

A strip of magnesium burns in oxygen. Balanced, the reaction is 2Mg + O₂ → 2MgO. How many electrons are passed?

Try it yourself

Oxidation numbersFollow the electrons

MgO2MgO

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This lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.

All lessons in Oxidation and Reduction

1Electron Transfer

What Is OxidationOxidation NumbersRules for Oxidation NumbersOxidation Numbers in IonsRecap - Number Painter

4Metals and Reactivity

The Reactivity SeriesDisplacement ReactionsMetals and AcidsCorrosion and RustRecap - Metal Contest

2Redox Reactions

Spotting RedoxOxidizing AgentsReducing AgentsElectrons PassedRecap - Who Gave Electrons

5Electrochemistry

ElectrolysisElectrolysis of MeltsCells and BatteriesRecap - Smelter

3Half-Equations

Writing Half-EquationsBalancing with ElectronsHalf-Equations in AcidCombining Half-EquationsRecap - Permanganate

6Practice Problems

Recap - Bleach and IodideRecap - Copper and SilverRecap - Bromine Redox