IB Chemistry R3.2 Definitions
This page contains our IB Chemistry definitions for R3.2. By learning each one of these definitions, you will fully cover the content for IB Chemistry 'Electron transfer'.
activity series
A table outlining the order of how easily different elements undergo oxidation, which decreases down the list
alkene
An unsaturated hydrocarbon that contains at least one C=C double bond
anode
The electrode where electrons exit the external wire and oxidation occurs
biological oxygen demand (BOD)
The amount of dissolved oxygen required to decompose organic material in water
cathode
The electrode where electrons enter the external wire and reduction occurs
electrolysis
The forcing of non-spontaneous reactions by applying a current of electricity
electrolyte
A conductive solution
electrolytic cell
A device that passes electricity from an external souce through an electrolyte to force non-spontaneous reactions to occur
electrophilic substitution
A reaction in which an electrophile reacts to swap ligands
half-cell
A metal in contact with an aqueous solution of its own ions
nucleophilic substitution reaction
A reaction in which a nucleophile is bumped out of a molecule by a more electronegative reagent
oxidizing agent
A substance that oxidizes another substance and itself undergoes reduction
reducing agent
A substance that reduces another substance and itself undergoes oxidation
Voltaic cell
A device that converts energy from spontaneous exothermic reactions to electricity
Winkler Method
The application of redox to measure the biological oxygen demand
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