[fcb]

So say Mg2+ was on the left of the equation and it reacted to give MgO

Mg ---> MgO

Would this be Oxidation. I am bemused as to how to read these. So do i compare everything from the left of the equation to the right?

Another E.g

PbO + CO ---> Pb + CO2

Because the lead is going from no charge on the left to 2+ on the right. would this be Reduction.

Thanks in advance..

[Matias Ekstrand]

I'll make a try at deciphering what you're writing.

So say Mg2+ was on the left of the equation and it reacted to give MgO

Mg ---> MgO

Would this be Oxidation. I am bemused as to how to read these. So do i compare everything from the left of the equation to the right?

First you write that Mg is an ion on the left, and in your chemical equation it is not.

Another E.g

PbO + CO ---> Pb + CO2

Because the lead is going from no charge on the left to 2+ on the right. would this be Reduction.

The lead has 2+ on the left and no charge on the right. If you use the words left and right in a correct way it's much easier to understand you.

Check out what the definition is for an oxidation and a reduction. How do these apply to the important substances in your chemical equations?

[Like_A_Whisper]

Oxidation - When atoms of an reactant give away electrons.
Reduction - When atoms of an reactant assume electrons.
Electrons are charged with negative electricity. So when the atoms give away electrons they lose the negative electricity and they become more positive...
Ex: O^-2 O⁰
In this case the Oxygen has given away 2 electrons and has gained more positive electricity(Because now we don't have spare electrons i.e in this case the number of protons is equal to the number of electrons) thus neutralizing the first existing electricity.
Conclusion: This is oxidation
Another Ex:
Mn⁺²   Mn⁺⁷
In this case the Manganese has given away 5 electrons and has gained more positive electricity.
Conclusion: This is oxidation again
When the atoms assume(receive) electrons they gain more negative electricity and they become more negative...
Ex: Cr⁺⁶   Cr⁺³
In this case the Chromium has received(assumed) 3 electrons and has gained more negative electricity.
Conclusion: This is reduction

You can easily recognize oxidation and reduction.
During the oxidation the oxidation number is increasing(Don't let the negative values fool you, it is just the same, think it trough)
During the reduction the oxidation number is decreasing