Oxidation states and redox reactions
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Strontium hydroxide is one of the products formed when strontium reacts with water. Why is strontium being described as being oxidised in this reaction?
Corrie writes ...
An element is oxidised if it loses electrons or increases in oxidation number (state) in a reaction.
Strontium atoms in a piece of strontium metal have an oxidation state of 0. Ask yourself what has happened to the Sr atoms when they form strontium hydroxide - what is the charge on the strontium ions in this compound? The answer to your question should then be clear!
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updated: 07 January 2008
