Oxidation, Reduction and Redox Reactions

OXIDATION:-

Oxidation is the loss of electrons during a reaction by a molecule, atom or ion. Oxidation occurs when the oxidation state of a molecule, atom or ion is increased.

In an oxidation-reduction, or redox, reaction, one atom or compound will steal electrons from another atom or compound. A classic example of a redox reaction is rusting. When rusting happens, oxygen steals electrons from iron. Oxygen gets reduced while iron gets oxidized

4Fe + 3O₂ → 2Fe₂O₃

In simple terms oxidation is loss of electrons and reduction is gain of electrons

The opposite process is called reduction, which occurs when there is a gain of electrons or the oxidation state of an atom, molecule, or ion decreases.

REDUCTION:-

Reduction is a chemical reaction that involves the gaining of electrons by one of the atoms involved in the reaction between two elements. The term refers to the element that accepts electrons, as the oxidation state of the element that gains electrons is lowered.

Zn_(s) + 2H⁺_(aq) → Zn²⁺_(aq) + H_2(g)

The H+ ions, with an oxidation number of +1, are reduced to H2, with an oxidation number of 0, in the reaction

Another simple example of Redox reaction is the reaction between copper oxide and magnesium to yield copper and magnesium oxide:

Rusting of iron is a process that involves oxidation and reduction. Oxygen is reduced, while iron is oxidized.

Fe_(s)+ CuSO_4(aq)→ FeSO_4(aq)+ Cu_(s)

Oxidation state of Fe changes from 0 to +2 and oxidation state of Cu changes from +2 to 0.