Oxidation: This process occurs when a substance loses electrons or gains oxygen. It involves an increase in the oxidation state or number of bonds to oxygen. For example, when iron reacts with oxygen to form rust (iron oxide), the iron is oxidized because it loses electrons to oxygen.
Reduction: This process occurs when a substance gains electrons or loses oxygen. It involves a decrease in the oxidation state or number of bonds to oxygen. For instance, when hydrogen gas reacts with oxygen to form water, oxygen is reduced because it gains electrons from hydrogen.
An easy way to remember these processes is through the mnemonic "OIL RIG":
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Answer:
Oxidation is the loss of electrons, and reduction is the gain of electrons. Together, they constitute a redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction.
Answer:
Oxidation: This process occurs when a substance loses electrons or gains oxygen. It involves an increase in the oxidation state or number of bonds to oxygen. For example, when iron reacts with oxygen to form rust (iron oxide), the iron is oxidized because it loses electrons to oxygen.
Reduction: This process occurs when a substance gains electrons or loses oxygen. It involves a decrease in the oxidation state or number of bonds to oxygen. For instance, when hydrogen gas reacts with oxygen to form water, oxygen is reduced because it gains electrons from hydrogen.
An easy way to remember these processes is through the mnemonic "OIL RIG":
Oxidation Is Loss (of electrons)
Reduction Is Gain (of electrons)