Redoksmuutus

Redoksmuutus, also known as a redox reaction, is a type of chemical reaction where the oxidation states of atoms are changed. This change occurs through the transfer of electrons between chemical species. A redox reaction can be thought of as the combination of two separate processes: oxidation and reduction. Oxidation is the loss of electrons by a species, which results in an increase in its oxidation state. Reduction is the gain of electrons by a species, leading to a decrease in its oxidation state.

In any redox reaction, oxidation and reduction must occur simultaneously. If one species loses electrons (is oxidized), another species must gain those electrons (is reduced). The species that loses electrons is called the reducing agent, as it causes the reduction of another species. Conversely, the species that gains electrons is called the oxidizing agent, as it causes the oxidation of another species.

Redox reactions are fundamental to many natural and industrial processes. Examples include combustion, where fuels react with oxygen; respiration, the process by which living organisms extract energy from food; and electrolysis, used in metal refining and plating. Understanding redox reactions is crucial in fields such as chemistry, biology, and environmental science, as they underpin a vast array of chemical transformations. The concept of oxidation states helps track electron transfer and predict the outcome of these reactions.