MHB Oxidation-Reduction in 2Ca + O2 -> 2CaO Reaction

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In the reaction 2Ca + O2 -> 2CaO, calcium (Ca) is oxidized while oxygen (O2) is reduced. Each calcium atom has an oxidation number of +2 in CaO, while oxygen has an oxidation number of -2. The confusion arises from the understanding of electron transfer; oxygen gains two electrons, leading to its reduction. The discussion clarifies that both Ca and O2 are neutral before the reaction, and the oxidation states change upon forming CaO. This explanation resolves the initial misunderstanding regarding the oxidation numbers.
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can some one show me by looking at electrons lost and gained which is oxidised and reduced in the reaction

2ca+o2->2cao

i would of said each calcium atom has a O.N of +2 and o2 has a O.N of 0
the o in 2cao has a O.N of -2 so that means the ca has a O.N of +2. but that makes no sense. where did as where did the oxygen gain the 2 electrons if the O.N of ca stays the same

im doing these questions wrong
 
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markosheehan said:
can some one show me by looking at electrons lost and gained which is oxidised and reduced in the reaction

2ca+o2->2cao

i would of said each calcium atom has a O.N of +2 and o2 has a O.N of 0
the o in 2cao has a O.N of -2 so that means the ca has a O.N of +2. but that makes no sense. where did as where did the oxygen gain the 2 electrons if the O.N of ca stays the same

im doing these questions wrong

Both $\ce{Ca}$ and $\ce{O2}$ are neutral.
In $\ce{CaO}$, $\ce{Ca}$ has oxidation number +2 and $\ce{O}$ has oxidation number -2.
$\ce{Ca}$ is oxidized and $\ce{O}$ is reduced.
 
markosheehan said:
can some one show me by looking at electrons lost and gained which is oxidised and reduced in the reaction

2ca+o2->2cao

We have MathJax configured to handled chemical equations...for example the following code:

\ce{2Ca + O2 -> 2CaO}

produces:

$$\ce{2Ca + O2 -> 2CaO}$$

Here's more information:

Chemistry notation using mhchem
 
I like Serena said:
Both $\ce{Ca}$ and $\ce{O2}$ are neutral.
In $\ce{CaO}$, $\ce{Ca}$ has oxidation number +2 and $\ce{O}$ has oxidation number -2.
$\ce{Ca}$ is oxidized and $\ce{O}$ is reduced.

thanks i get it now
 
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