Hapetusreduktio

Hapetusreduktio, also known as redox reaction, is a type of chemical reaction that involves a transfer of electrons between two species. This transfer of electrons results in a change in the oxidation states of the atoms, ions, or molecules involved. A redox reaction always involves two half-reactions: an oxidation half-reaction and a reduction half-reaction. Oxidation is the loss of electrons by a species, which leads to an increase in its oxidation state. Reduction is the gain of electrons by a species, which leads to a decrease in its oxidation state. The species that loses electrons is said to be oxidized, while the species that gains electrons is said to be reduced.

In any redox reaction, the number of electrons lost in the oxidation half-reaction must equal the number of electrons gained in the reduction half-reaction. This is because electrons are conserved. For example, when sodium reacts with chlorine to form sodium chloride, sodium is oxidized (loses an electron) and chlorine is reduced (gains an electron). The overall reaction is the sum of the two half-reactions. Redox reactions are fundamental to many chemical processes, including combustion, corrosion, respiration, and photosynthesis. They are also utilized in various technologies such as batteries and electroplating. Understanding redox reactions is crucial for comprehending chemical transformations and designing chemical processes.