Question

Define the following term:

Oxidation

Answer 1

Oxidation is a chemical process in which oxygen from the air or water reacts with minerals in rocks, especially those containing iron compounds, to form iron oxide (rust). This reaction causes the decomposition and discoloration of rocks, turning them brown, red, or yellow. The iron oxides formed crumble more easily than the original iron, contributing to the breakdown of the rocks. Soils formed from these oxidised rocks also tend to be red in color.