Even though you may be unfamiliar with the term, oxidation is something we see often in everyday life. Examples of oxidation at work include when car paint becomes dull if it isn’t protected with a special finish, and when a copper coin begins to rust over time. The definition of oxidation is when oxygen molecules interact with other substances that are around us.
The definition of reduction is slightly different, as this is when a substance loses contact with oxygen molecules, and this is because other molecules are gained in the process.
A good way to differentiate between the two is by using the mnemonic OIL RIG: A very simple way of distinguishing between oxidation and reduction. As oxidation is the loss of electrons, this process can form the word OIL: Oxidation is Loss. Meanwhile, as electrons are gained when reduction occur, Reduction is Gain can be shortened to RIG. For people who are taking their exams and need to learn the difference, this is an effective way to enhance your learning technique.
There are some types of elements that are oxidising agents, and others that are reducing agents. By doing your homework and learning about how different elements such as magnesium and hydrogen work, you won’t just know the definition of oxidation and reduction. Instead, you’ll be able to explain which elements are agents for both of these processes, improving your understanding of this chemistry topic excellently. If you need any more help, ask your science teacher.
Oxidation is a process in which a substance adds on oxygen or loses hydrogen. The current definition of oxidation is the process in which a substance loses electrons. Reduction, on the other hand, is a process in which a substance adds on hydrogen or loses oxygen. In modern terms, reduction is the process in which a substance gains electrons.
Oxidation and reduction always occur simultaneously. If one substance is oxidised, another is reduced. The reaction in which this oxidation-reduction process occurs is called a redox reaction.
Oxidising agents are substances which bring about the oxidation of other substances, e.g. potassium permanganate, potassium dichromate, nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, etc.
Reducing agents are substances which bring about the reduction of other substances, e.g. hydrogen sulphide, hydrogen, carbon, sulphur dioxide, etc.
There are a number of oxidation-reduction reactions that are of industrial use. The production of metals from their ores invariably involves these two processes. Organic compounds are also synthesised by various oxidation-reduction techniques.
The chemical process of oxidation occurs when a particular material or a compound combines with oxygen, and in the process, gives up a few of its electrons. As a rule, an addition of oxygen has to compulsorily be with a certain amount of reduction. Examples of oxidation include burning and rusting although, both occur at very different speeds. Oxidation reactions are also known as Redox (the word come from reduction-oxidation) reactions, those in which the oxidation number of atoms is altered. Therefore oxidation essentially refers to the loss of an electron by an atom, a molecule or an ion. Certain materials that have the ability to oxidize other substances are known as being oxidative and comprise of oxidizers, oxidizing agents, oxidants and the like. A chemical look at these oxidants reveals that mostly, these substances always have very high oxidation numbers and also, always have space to hold an extra one or two electrons in their orbits.
Chemical reactions often involve the processes of reduction and oxidation. These are two opposing reactions that occur together – they are like two halves of one reaction.
During a reduction reaction, the chemical that is reduced gains electrons or loses oxygen. During an oxidation reaction, the chemical that is oxidised loses electrons or gains oxygen.
Oxidation reduction reactions are often called REDOX reactions for short.
Students of chemistry find it difficult to remember which reaction is which but a simple mnemonic is often used – OIL RIG. This stands for Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain and it refers to the gain of electrons in reduction and the loss of electrons in oxidation.
An example of a REDOX reaction occurs during the electrolysis of aluminium oxide to produce pure aluminium. Each aluminium ion, which has a triple positive charge, gains three electrons to form a neutral aluminium atom, and is thereby reduced. Pairs of oxide ions from the compound give up electrons to form oxygen molecules, and are thereby oxidised.
Oxidation add oxygen,eliminate hydrogen,loses electron and increase in oxidation number while reduction involve reaction which eliminate oxygen, add hydrogen,gain electron and decrease in oxidation number.
Oxidation is a chemical reaction that can be referred to as rust it is when a material begins to corrode for instance metal it can be prevented by gulavanising or simply coating something in plastic or even paint.ways to prevent oxidation are by keeping things in a cool dry condition away from water or even away from air if thats possible or pratical will slow down the process. P.s salt will speed up the process
Oxidation is a natural phenomenon which is occurring continuously in our surroundings for example- browning of a sliced apple, rusting of a bicycle. Oxidation can be simply defined as the reaction between the oxygen molecules and various substances which come in contact with it. Theses substances range from living tissues to various metals.
Oxidation means removal of hydrogen or addition of oxygen and the reactions which help oxidation are called oxidation reaction.For example- C + O2 -> CO2 (here oxygen gets added to carbon) NaCl + H2SO4 -> Na2SO4 + HCl (this is a redox reaction where oxidation and reduction both occurs ) in the above reaction oxidation is where hydrogen gets reduced from sulphuric acid which is oxidation.
