Oxidation
A reaction where a substance gains oxygen or loses electrons. Metals are oxidised when they burn or rust.
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Analogy
Like a person handing away a coat. Losing electrons is oxidation.
Example
Oxidation Is Loss of electronsMg -> Mg2+ + 2e-
In practice
When magnesium burns it is oxidised to magnesium oxide.
Practice
Flashcards
- What is oxidation in terms of electrons?Loss of electrons (OIL RIG).
Interview questions
- Describe what happens at each electrode in the electrolysis of molten lead bromide.
- Lead ions move to the cathode and gain electrons
- Lead metal forms at the cathode
- Bromide ions move to the anode and lose electrons
- Bromine gas forms at the anode
Questions people ask
Is oxidation always about oxygen?
No. The first idea of oxidation was gaining oxygen, but it is more broadly the loss of electrons. Magnesium reacting with chlorine has no oxygen involved, yet magnesium loses electrons, so it is oxidised. The electron definition covers all cases.
What is a redox reaction?
Redox is short for reduction and oxidation happening together. Whenever one substance loses electrons, another gains them. In magnesium reacting with copper oxide, magnesium is oxidised and copper ions are reduced. You cannot have one without the other. Rusting and burning are both redox reactions.