oxidationsreduktas

Oxidationsreduktas is a term used to describe oxidation–reduction processes in chemistry and related fields. These processes involve the transfer of electrons between chemical species, accompanied by changes in oxidation states. Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons and an increase in oxidation state; reduction refers to the gain of electrons and a decrease in oxidation state. A reaction in which electrons move from one substance to another is called a redox reaction, and the participating species form redox couples.

Redox reactions are analyzed with concepts such as oxidation numbers, standard redox potentials, and the Nernst equation. Redox couples have an electrode potential that quantifies the tendency of a species to gain or lose electrons. Balancing redox equations often uses the half-reaction method, ensuring conservation of mass and charge. Oxidizing agents facilitate oxidation, while reducing agents facilitate reduction. Some redox processes release energy and proceed spontaneously, as in galvanic cells, while others require energy input, as in electrolytic cells.

Applications span chemistry and biology: cellular respiration and photosynthesis involve controlled redox transformations; industrial synthesis uses redox steps; corrosion and passivation involve redox chemistry at metal surfaces; environmental chemistry involves oxidation of pollutants and detoxification; energy storage relies on redox chemistry in batteries and fuel cells. Critical cofactors like NAD+/NADH and FADH2 mediate redox reactions in metabolism.

Terminology varies by language; oxidationsreduktas is a direct rendering used in some languages to denote the broader redox concept. In English, the shorter term redox is common, and oxidation–reduction or oxidation–reduction reactions are also used.