NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 8 - Redox Reactions

This chapter discusses the concept of oxidation and reduction, redox reactions, oxidation number, balancing redox reactions, in terms of loss and gain of electrons, change in oxidation number, and applications of redox reactions.

• Redox reactions explained in terms of electron transfer reactions

This topic suggests that half-reactions that involve loss of electrons are called oxidation reactions. Similarly, the half-reactions that involve the gain of electrons are called reduction reactions.

• Oxidation Number

Oxidation number denotes the oxidation state of an element in a compound ascertained according to a set of rules formulated on the basis that an electron pair in a covalent bond belongs entirely to a more electronegative element.

• Types of Redox Reactions

This section covers the various types of redox reactions such as Combination Reactions, Decomposition Reactions, Displacement Reactions and Disproportionation reactions.

• Balancing of Redox Reactions

Two methods are used to balance chemical equations for redox processes. One of these methods is based on the change in the oxidation number of reducing agent, and the oxidising agent and the other method is based on splitting the redox reaction into two half-reactions — one involving oxidation and the other involving reduction. Students learn the steps involved in these two methods under this section of the chapter.

• Redox Reactions and Electrode Processes

This topic illustrates an experiment for students to understand the concept of a redox couple.