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Oxidation is a chemical reaction that involves the loss of electrons by a substance, or the gain of oxygen. It is a fundamental process in chemistry and plays a crucial role in various natural and industrial processes. The term "oxidation" was first introduced by Antoine Lavoisier in the late 18th century. The opposite of oxidation is reduction, which involves the gain of electrons or the loss of oxygen. Together, these two processes are known as redox reactions.

Oxidation can occur in various forms, including the combustion of fuels, the rusting of metals, and the metabolism of organisms. In combustion, a substance reacts with oxygen to produce heat and light, while in rusting, iron reacts with oxygen and water to form iron oxide. In biological systems, oxidation is essential for the production of energy, as seen in cellular respiration.

The oxidation state of an element is a measure of the degree of oxidation of an atom in a substance. It is determined by assigning oxidation states to each atom in a molecule or ion, based on a set of rules. The oxidation state can change during a chemical reaction, indicating whether oxidation or reduction has occurred.

Oxidation is also a critical process in the environment, as it plays a role in the weathering of rocks and the formation of soil. It is also used in various industrial processes, such as the production of steel and the treatment of wastewater. Understanding oxidation and its mechanisms is essential for developing new technologies and improving existing ones.