Unit 6 · Reactivity 3: What are the mechanisms of chemical change? · Topic 6.2

IB Chemistry HL — Electron transfer reactions

Topic 6.2 of IB Chemistry covers Electron transfer reactions, which is part of Unit 6: Reactivity 3: What are the mechanisms of chemical change?. Students explore key concepts including Oxidation states and identifying redox, Half-equations and balancing redox, The activity series and redox reactions, and more. A strong understanding of electron transfer reactions is essential for IB Chemistry HL exams and builds the foundation for connected topics across the syllabus.

Higher Level students should use this topic hub as a map: start with the shared sub-topics, then follow the HL-only extensions and exam-skill links where this topic asks for deeper analysis.

Exam technique guide Practice questions

What you'll learn in Topic 6.2

6.2.1 Oxidation states and identifying redox
6.2.2 Half-equations and balancing redox
6.2.3 The activity series and redox reactions
6.2.4 Electrochemical cells
6.2.5 Standard electrode potentials and cell EMF (HL)
6.2.6 Electrolysis and Faraday's law (HL)

Suggested study order: Read the notes for each sub-topic below → test yourself with flashcards → attempt practice questions → review exam technique.

Study resources — 6.2 Electron transfer reactions

6.2.1

Oxidation states and identifying redox

Notes

6.2.2

Half-equations and balancing redox

Notes

6.2.3

The activity series and redox reactions

Notes

6.2.4

Electrochemical cells

Notes

6.2.5

Standard electrode potentials and cell EMF (HL)

Notes

6.2.6

Electrolysis and Faraday's law (HL)

Notes

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Topic 6.2 Electron transfer reactions forms a core part of Unit 6: Reactivity 3: What are the mechanisms of chemical change? in IB Chemistry HL. Mastering these concepts will strengthen your understanding of connected topics across the syllabus and prepare you for exam questions that require analysis, evaluation, and real-world application.

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IB Chemistry HL — Electron transfer reactions

Higher Level students should use this topic hub as a map: start with the shared sub-topics, then follow the HL-only extensions and exam-skill links where this topic asks for deeper analysis.