what type of reactions are oxidation reactions (ionoic or covalent)?

[sangria1986]

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Are redox reactions ionic or covalent?

Also...do we always have to check if a reaction is oxidation/reduction to balance?

For example, if given an unbalanced reaction and asked to balance, and we just go by the moles expected by each molecule is that enough? or do we need to check if its an oxidation/reduction rxn first?

 

[Rabolisk]

Redox reactions can involve both ionic and covalent compounds. As long an oxidation number of an element changes, the reaction is redox.

Balancing of all reactions just means that you have to have mass and charge balance. Same number of moles of every element, and same charge on both sides. The redox method is a particular method of balancing reactions, usually when given the cathode and the anode in acidic or basic conditions. If the problem gives you the unbalanced equation, you can balance the "normal" way.

 

[sangria1986]

Redox reactions can involve both ionic and covalent compounds. As long an oxidation number of an element changes, the reaction is redox.

Balancing of all reactions just means that you have to have mass and charge balance. Same number of moles of every element, and same charge on both sides. The redox method is a particular method of balancing reactions, usually when given the cathode and the anode in acidic or basic conditions. If the problem gives you the unbalanced equation, you can balance the "normal" way.

awesome...thanks, i thought so too. I just wanted to check because I dont want to get tricked up during the test or spend too much time second guessing myself during the exam-better i do it now than then.