LEO the Lion says GER
LEO says GER
An alternative to OIL RIG that personifies the concept. Imagine a lion named Leo roaring "GER!" Loss of Electrons is Oxidation (LEO), Gain of Electrons is Reduction (GER).
Breakdown
Loss
Losing electrons
of Electrons
Electron transfer away from atom
Oxidation
The process that occurs
Gain
Gaining electrons
of Electrons
Electron transfer to atom
Reduction
The process that occurs
Example
Fe -> Fe3+ + 3e-: Iron loses electrons = LEO (oxidation). O2 + 4e- -> 2O2-: Oxygen gains electrons = GER (reduction). In rusting, iron is oxidized and oxygen is reduced.
When to Use This
- ✓Quick recall of electron transfer direction
- ✓Teaching redox concepts to beginners
- ✓When OIL RIG doesn't stick in memory
- ✓Visualizing redox as a story
FAQs
Common questions about this mnemonic
Both convey the same information - use whichever one sticks better. LEO GER is more visual/fun, while OIL RIG is more compact.
When a species is oxidized (LEO), its oxidation state increases. When reduced (GER), oxidation state decreases. Losing negative electrons makes you more positive!