04.04 MC) When calcium metal (Ca) reacts with oxygen gas (O2), it produces the ionic compound calcium oxide (CaO). Write the balanced equation for this reaction. Then, explain if this process meets the requirements to be considered a redox reaction. (6 points)

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Explanation:

A redox reaction is one in which there is a loss and gain of electrons. This means that a specie looses electrons and other species gain electrons.

This loss and gain of electrons ultimately result in a change in oxidation number of chemical species from left to right in the reaction equation.

Now let us look at the specific case that we are considering;

2Ca(s) + O2(g) >2CaO(s)

We can see that the change in oxidation number of calcium from left to right is 0 to +2 while the change in the oxidation number of oxygen from left to right is 0 to -2.

Hence calcium is oxidized and oxygen is reduced. This is a redox reaction indeed!