IB Chemistry Sub-topic R3.2 Definitions

This page contains our IB Chemistry definitions for sub-topic R3.2. By learning each one of these definitions, you will fully cover the content for IB Chemistry 'Electron transfer'.
activity series

A table outlining the order of how easily different elements undergo oxidation, which decreases down the list

alkene

An unsaturated hydrocarbon that contains at least one C=C double bond

anode

The electrode where electrons exit the external wire and oxidation occurs 

biological oxygen demand (BOD)

The amount of dissolved oxygen required to decompose organic material in water

cathode

The electrode where electrons enter the external wire and reduction occurs 

electrolysis

The forcing of non-spontaneous reactions by applying a current of electricity

electrolyte

A conductive solution

electrolytic cell

A device that passes electricity from an external souce through an electrolyte to force non-spontaneous reactions to occur

electrophilic substitution

A reaction in which an electrophile reacts to swap ligands

half-cell

A metal in contact with an aqueous solution of its own ions

nucleophilic substitution reaction

A reaction in which a nucleophile is bumped out of a molecule by a more electronegative reagent

oxidizing agent

A substance that oxidizes another substance and itself undergoes reduction

reducing agent

A substance that reduces another substance and itself undergoes oxidation

Voltaic cell

A device that converts energy from spontaneous exothermic reactions to electricity

Winkler Method

The application of redox to measure the biological oxygen demand

Great Work!

You have now covered all of our topic 6 & 16 definitions for IB chemistry.
Now that you have completed these IB chemistry topic 6 & 16 definitions, dive into our topic 6 & 16 videos for the IB chemistry course.
IB chemistry topic 6 & 16 videos

Explored IB Chemistry?

Get stuck into one of our other subjects!
Join 85,000 students, across 130+ countries, in 500+ IB schools. That's half of the IB science graduates worldwide.
Start a 7d free trial