What is Oxidation?

Oxidation is a chemical reaction in which a substance loses electrons. This can occur through the addition of oxygen or through the loss of electrons to another substance.

Oxidation in Everyday Life

Oxidation is a common process in everyday life. It can be seen in the rusting of iron, the browning of fruit, and the burning of fuel. These processes all involve the loss of electrons by the substances involved.

Oxidation and Energy Production

Oxidation reactions are essential for the production of energy in living organisms. For example, in cellular respiration, glucose is oxidized to produce energy in the form of ATP.

Oxidation and Reduction

Oxidation is often paired with reduction, which is the opposite process involving the gain of electrons. These two processes occur simultaneously in many chemical reactions.

Examples of Oxidation

Some common examples of oxidation include the combustion of fuels, the tarnishing of silver, and the fermentation of wine.

Applications of Oxidation

Oxidation reactions have many practical applications, such as in the production of metals, the treatment of wastewater, and the generation of electricity in batteries.