Oxidation is a chemical reaction where a substance loses electrons, leading to an increase in its oxidation state. This process often involves the addition of oxygen to a compound, which is where the term originally comes from.
Oxidation has the following key aspects:
- Loss of Electrons: In its most basic sense, oxidation is the loss of electrons by an atom, molecule, or ion. This is a fundamental concept in redox (reduction-oxidation) reactions.
- Increase in Oxidation State: During oxidation, the oxidation state of the chemical species increases. This is due to the loss of electrons, which are negatively charged.
- Combination with Oxygen: Historically, oxidation was defined as the combination of a substance with oxygen. Many reactions with oxygen, like the rusting of iron, are classic examples of oxidation.
- Release of Energy: Oxidation reactions often release energy, making them exothermic. This is particularly evident in combustion processes.
- Role in Corrosion and Combustion: Oxidation is a key process in both corrosion (like rusting) and combustion (like burning wood).
Understanding oxidation is crucial in fields like chemistry, biology, and materials science, as it plays a vital role in various chemical reactions and processes.