There are many definitions of oxidation.
1. It is the addition of oxygen to a substance.
2. It is the removal of hydrogen from a substance.
3. It is also the increase in the oxidation state of an element or molecule.
4. It can also be defined as the loss of electrons.
Examples of oxidation:
- Oxygen-based cleaners use oxidation process for their actions.
- The sterilizing powers of hydrogen peroxide is based on oxidation.
- A rusty car is due to oxidation.
- Browned fruit has oxidation to blame.
There are many definitions of reduction.
1. It is the removal of oxygen from a substance.
2. It is the addition of hydrogen to a substance.
3. It is also the decrease in the oxidation state of an element or molecule.
4. It can also be defined as the gain of electrons.
Most of the time, oxidation occurs in tandem with reduction. This is called redox reaction. It comes from oxidation-reduction. One atom or compound steals electrons from another atom or compound.
Rusting is a classic example of a redox reaction. When rusting happens, oxygen steals electrons from iron. Oxygen is reduced while iron gets oxidized. The resulting compound is called iron oxide, or rust.
