Redox Project
Name: ______________________________________
Date: _____________
Your Task: Select 2 applications of redox reactions from the list below and create a 1 page flyer
(on an 8.5” x 11” piece of paper) explaining the processes, including the following information:
o An explanation of why each reaction is useful
o The complete, balanced chemical equations
o Half reactions, labeled to show which elements are being reduced, and which are
oxidized
o A picture illustrating each reaction’s use or its end-product
The paper should be divided in half, with each reaction explained separately.
A good reference is chapters 20 and 21 in your textbook.
Some Real-Life Examples of Redox Reactions in Action:

The combustion of natural gas (methane, CH4)

A sequence of redox reactions are used to burn sugars, such as glucose (C6H12O6), in our
bodies.

Explosives often contain oxidizing and reducing agents in the same compound, such as
nitroglycerine. When activated, a highly exothermic redox reaction occurs in which large
amounts of gasses are formed, which expand and create a shock wave.

The processes involved in developing photographic film can be initiated by a single light
photon, which activates the decomposition of a grain of silver bromide in the film.

Bleaches are oxidizing agents. Color is caused by the movement of electrons between
different energy levels, and it can often be eliminated by removing these electrons through
oxidation.

Hydrogen peroxide fizzes when poured on a cut because the H2O2 is being decomposed. In
doing so, it kills bacteria by literally oxidizing them to death.

In photosynthesis, chlorophyll molecules use light energy to decompose water into oxygen
gas.

A “Breathalyzer” test measures the alcohol content in your breath by means of a redox
reaction. A color change indicates the amount of alcohol in your body.
Grading:
o
o
o
o
o
o
Accurate explanation of reaction use
Correct, balanced chemical equation
Correct, labeled half reactions
Relevant picture for each reaction
1 page, clearly organized
Creativity, aesthetics
(2 points each x 2 = 4 points)
(4 points each x 2 = 8 points)
(2 points each x 4 = 8 points)
(1 point each x 2 = 2 points)
(2 points)
(1 point)
Total points = 25