Hapetusreaktion

Hapetusreaktion, often simply referred to as oxidation, is a fundamental chemical process involving the loss of electrons by a substance. This loss of electrons results in an increase in the oxidation state of the atom or molecule undergoing oxidation. In many common examples, oxidation is associated with the reaction of a substance with oxygen, hence the name "hapetusreaktion". However, the definition extends beyond oxygen's involvement and encompasses any process where electrons are transferred.

The opposite of oxidation is reduction, which involves the gain of electrons. These two processes are always coupled, meaning that if one substance is oxidized, another substance must be reduced. Such a coupled process is called a redox reaction, short for reduction-oxidation reaction. In a redox reaction, the substance that loses electrons (is oxidized) is called the reducing agent, as it causes the other substance to gain electrons (be reduced). Conversely, the substance that gains electrons (is reduced) is called the oxidizing agent, as it causes the other substance to lose electrons (be oxidized).

Examples of hapetusreaktion are widespread in chemistry and biology. The rusting of iron, the burning of fuels like wood or natural gas, and the metabolism of food in living organisms are all common illustrations of oxidation. In electrochemistry, oxidation occurs at the anode of an electrochemical cell. Understanding hapetusreaktion is crucial for comprehending a vast array of chemical transformations and their applications.