"Oxidation is the loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation state by a molecule, atom, or ion." "Reduction is the gain of electrons or a decrease in oxidation state by a molecule, atom, or ion." - Wikipedia
It's a so called redox-reaction. Chlorine gets an electron while sodium loose it.
If I remember correctly sodium does combine with oxygen but its preferred partner is chlorine. It has to do with how the electrons match up. Chlorine is a better match which is why it is such a stable compound. A chemistry book would explain it all to you. The pluses of the one element match the minuses of the other.
Discussions
Best Answer 8 years ago
Is this a homework question?
Your two half-equations are:
Na=Na+ + e- (oxidation)
Cl2 + 2e-=2Cl- (reduction)
You'll very most likely want 2Na +Cl2=2NaCl
L
8 years ago
Is this an example of oxidation? No. Oxidation needs oxygen, to make oxides. Oxy K? I mean, O.K.?
Answer 8 years ago
You do not always need oxygen for oxidation.
Wiki link.
Answer 8 years ago
**facepalm**
Answer 8 years ago
Just to keep you confused, fluorine can oxidize oxygen (usually via sodium hydroxide reactant) to make oxygen difluoride:
2 F2 + 2 NaOH → OF2 + 2 NaF + H2O
Answer 8 years ago
(Brain explodes)
Answer 8 years ago
Mmmmm....brain pudding....
8 years ago
"Oxidation is the loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation state by a molecule, atom, or ion."
"Reduction is the gain of electrons or a decrease in oxidation state by a molecule, atom, or ion."
- Wikipedia
It's a so called redox-reaction. Chlorine gets an electron while sodium loose it.
BTW: 2 Na + CL2 -> 2 NaCl
NaCl2 does not exist.
Answer 8 years ago
Its just like algebra, both sides of the equation have to balance.
8 years ago
If I remember correctly sodium does combine with oxygen but its preferred partner is chlorine. It has to do with how the electrons match up. Chlorine is a better match which is why it is such a stable compound. A chemistry book would explain it all to you. The pluses of the one element match the minuses of the other.
8 years ago
The chlorine oxidises the sodium.
Wiki link.