oksidaatioreaktio

Oksidaatioreaktio, often referred to simply as oxidation, is a chemical process that involves the loss of electrons from a substance. This loss of electrons results in an increase in the oxidation state of the atom or molecule that loses them. Oxidation is always accompanied by a reduction reaction, where another substance gains electrons. These two processes, oxidation and reduction, together form what is known as a redox reaction.

In many common examples, oxidation involves the reaction of a substance with oxygen, hence the name. For instance, when iron rusts, it undergoes oxidation; iron atoms lose electrons to oxygen. However, oxidation does not require the presence of oxygen. Any process where a substance loses electrons and its oxidation state increases is considered oxidation. Examples include the reaction of metals with halogens or the breakdown of organic molecules in biological systems.

The concept of oxidation state is crucial for understanding these reactions. The oxidation state is a hypothetical charge that an atom would have if all its bonds to atoms of different elements were 100% ionic. When a substance is oxidized, its oxidation state increases. Conversely, when a substance is reduced, its oxidation state decreases because it gains electrons. Redox reactions are fundamental to many chemical and biological processes, including combustion, respiration, and electrochemistry.