Reduktsyjon

Reduktsyjon is a term primarily used in chemistry to describe a process where a chemical substance gains electrons. This gain of electrons typically results in a decrease in the oxidation state of the atoms within the substance. Reduktsyjon is often paired with oxidation, a process where a substance loses electrons. These two processes are fundamental to many chemical reactions and are collectively known as redox reactions.

In the context of redox reactions, the substance that causes reduction in another substance is called a reducing agent. This reducing agent itself gets oxidized during the reaction as it donates electrons. Conversely, the substance that gets reduced is acted upon by an oxidizing agent, which accepts the electrons. Common reducing agents include hydrogen, metals, and certain organic compounds. Examples of oxidizing agents include oxygen, halogens, and peroxides.

The concept of reduktsyjon is crucial for understanding a wide range of chemical phenomena, from the functioning of batteries and the metabolism of living organisms to industrial processes like electroplating and the production of fuels. The change in oxidation state during reduktsyjon is a key indicator of the chemical transformation occurring. For instance, in the reaction of sodium with chlorine to form sodium chloride, sodium is oxidized (loses an electron) and chlorine is reduced (gains an electron).