key term - Reduced Species

Definition

A reduced species is a molecule, atom or ion that has gained electrons during a chemical reaction. This process is known as reduction.

Related terms

Oxidized Species:

This is the opposite of a reduced species. It's an atom, molecule or ion that has lost electrons during a chemical reaction.

Redox Reaction:

A type of chemical reaction that involves transfer of electrons between two species - one gets oxidized (loses electrons), and the other gets reduced (gains electrons).

Reduction Potential:

It measures the tendency of a chemical species to acquire electrons and thereby be reduced. Higher values indicate greater reactivity in gaining electrons.