Question

Define oxidation with an example and the reactions involved.

Answer 1

Oxidation is a chemical process that involves the addition of oxygen, removal of hydrogen, or the loss of electrons by an atom or ion.

Example (Electronic concept): Loss of electrons by a sodium atom to form a sodium ion:

\[\ce{Na -> Na^+ + e-}\]

Example (Oxygen concept): Copper heating in air to form copper oxide:

\[\ce{2Cu + O2 -> 2CuO}\]