Redox: Transfer of Electons

In redox reactions, electrons are transferred from the metal to the non-metal. My class and I leaned that redox reactions are either single-replacement, synthesis, or decomposition and if a reactions occurs depends on the oxidation number and the oxidation series of the elements and compounds involved. More info on the oxidation rules can be found on chemwiki.

Oxidation series tell how easily an element oxidizes compared to another element. Metals only compare with metals and non-metals with non-metals. Chemprime gives a brief explanation of oxidation series.

In redox reactions, the element losing electrons are oxidized and the element that gains electrons are reduced element. The oxidized elements is the reducing agent and the reduced elements is the oxidizing agent.

Honesty I find most of this stuff confusing and am going to have to study to have any clue what to do on the lab tomorrow. I don't remember anything from the last lecture.