Redoksmuutuse

Redoksmuutuse, also known as a redox reaction, is a type of chemical reaction that involves a transfer of electrons between two species. This electron transfer results in a change in the oxidation states of the atoms involved. One species loses electrons, undergoing oxidation, while another species gains electrons, undergoing reduction. The term "redox" is a portmanteau of reduction and oxidation.

Oxidation is defined as the loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation state. Reduction is defined as the gain of electrons or a decrease in oxidation state. These two processes always occur simultaneously in a redox reaction; one cannot happen without the other. A substance that loses electrons is said to be oxidized, and it acts as a reducing agent because it causes another substance to be reduced. Conversely, a substance that gains electrons is said to be reduced, and it acts as an oxidizing agent because it causes another substance to be oxidized.

Examples of redox reactions are abundant in chemistry and biology. The rusting of iron, the combustion of fuels, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration are all common examples. In photosynthesis, water is oxidized and carbon dioxide is reduced. In cellular respiration, glucose is oxidized and oxygen is reduced. Understanding redox reactions is fundamental to many areas of chemistry, including electrochemistry, organic chemistry, and inorganic chemistry, as well as in biological processes.