redoksikemia

Redoksikemia, also known as redox chemistry, is a fundamental branch of chemistry concerned with chemical reactions involving oxidation and reduction. These reactions are characterized by the transfer of electrons between chemical species. Oxidation is defined as the loss of electrons by a molecule, atom, or ion, resulting in an increase in its oxidation state. Conversely, reduction is the gain of electrons by a species, leading to a decrease in its oxidation state.

In any redox reaction, oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously. The species that loses electrons (is oxidized) is called the reducing agent, as it causes another species to gain electrons (be reduced). The species that gains electrons (is reduced) is called the oxidizing agent, as it causes another species to lose electrons (be oxidized). The total number of electrons lost in the oxidation half-reaction must equal the total number of electrons gained in the reduction half-reaction.

Redox reactions are ubiquitous in nature and play critical roles in numerous processes. Examples include combustion, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and the operation of electrochemical cells such as batteries and fuel cells. Understanding redox chemistry is essential for fields ranging from environmental science and materials science to biochemistry and industrial chemistry. The concept of oxidation states is a crucial tool for identifying and tracking electron transfer in these reactions.