azarov98
MU_357123.b
The combustion of hydrocarbons in oxygen is an example of a fast redox reaction.
CH4 + 2O2 --> CO2 + 2H2O
Methane is the reductant; it is oxidised by (loses electrons to) oxygen. Oxygen is the oxidant; it is reduced by (gains electrons from) methane. More specifically, the carbon atom in methane formally loses all eight of its outer shell electrons to the four oxygen atoms (two per atom). The oxidation state of carbon changes from -4 to +4, while that of oxygen changes from 0 to -2.
MU_357123.b
The combustion of hydrocarbons in oxygen is an example of a fast redox reaction.
CH4 + 2O2 --> CO2 + 2H2O
Methane is the reductant; it is oxidised by (loses electrons to) oxygen. Oxygen is the oxidant; it is reduced by (gains electrons from) methane. More specifically, the carbon atom in methane formally loses all eight of its outer shell electrons to the four oxygen atoms (two per atom). The oxidation state of carbon changes from -4 to +4, while that of oxygen changes from 0 to -2.