What is oxidation?
Answer
Oxidation is a chemical process involving the loss of electrons (or increase in oxidation number) by a species, often marked by the addition of oxygen or removal of hydrogen.
The working
Electronic definition
In modern terms, oxidation is the loss of electrons by an atom, ion, or molecule, which increases its oxidation number.
Classical definition
Classically, oxidation means addition of oxygen (or an electronegative element) or removal of hydrogen (or an electropositive element).
Example
In 2Mg + O₂ → 2MgO, magnesium loses electrons and is oxidised; its oxidation number rises from 0 to +2.
Link to reduction
Oxidation never occurs alone; it is always paired with reduction (gain of electrons) in a redox reaction. The oxidised species acts as the reducing agent.
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