oxidises

Oxidises is a verb describing the process of undergoing oxidation. Oxidation is a fundamental chemical reaction where a substance loses electrons. This loss of electrons typically results in an increase in the oxidation state of the atom or molecule involved. In many common scenarios, oxidation involves the gain of oxygen atoms. For example, when iron rusts, it oxidises by reacting with oxygen in the air to form iron oxide. However, oxidation doesn't always require the presence of oxygen. It can also occur through reactions with other electronegative elements like halogens, or through the transfer of electrons to another chemical species. The opposite process of oxidation is reduction, where a substance gains electrons. These two processes, oxidation and reduction, always occur simultaneously in a redox reaction. Biological processes heavily rely on oxidation, such as cellular respiration where glucose is oxidised to produce energy. Combustion is another familiar example of rapid oxidation, releasing heat and light.