Oxidation Oxidation is a chemical process in which an atom or molecule loses electrons, resulting in a decrease in oxidation state. This process can occur w...
Oxidation
Oxidation is a chemical process in which an atom or molecule loses electrons, resulting in a decrease in oxidation state. This process can occur when an atom or molecule is exposed to a substance with a higher oxidation state, or when it reacts with another atom or molecule that has a lower oxidation state.
Reduction
Reduction is a chemical process in which an atom or molecule gains electrons, resulting in an increase in oxidation state. This process can occur when an atom or molecule is exposed to a substance with a lower oxidation state, or when it reacts with another atom or molecule that has a higher oxidation state.
Examples
In the reaction between copper and silver nitrate, copper is oxidized to copper(II) ions (Cu2+), while silver is reduced to silver metal (Ag).
In the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, hydrogen is oxidized to water (H2O), while oxygen is reduced to ozone (O3).
The difference between oxidation and reduction
The main difference between oxidation and reduction is that oxidation involves the loss of electrons, while reduction involves the gain of electrons. Additionally, oxidation usually occurs when an atom or molecule loses electrons, while reduction usually occurs when an atom or molecule gains electrons