Chemistry Mnemonics

Atoms can gain or lose electrons. When an atom gains electrons, it is said to be reduced. If it loses them, it is said to be oxidized. Remember: Oxidation is Loss, Reduction is Gain--OIL RIG!

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Remember, most atoms are bonded. They try to complete their valence shells by bonding to other atoms. Sometimes they give up electrons completely, but that means another atom is taking them. That's oxidation and reduction!

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I get it! "Oil rig" is the first letter of "oxidation is loss, reduction is gain." Electron loss means oxidation--wait, that spells "Elmo." Also, losing electrons is oxidation, gaining electrons is reduction. That is "Leo says ger!"

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Oxidation is what's happening when iron rusts and copper turns green like on a bad penny. Look up rusting and see if you can figure out which atoms are reduced and which are oxidized.

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