redukcióoxidációs

Redukcióoxidációs, often shortened to redox, refers to a type of chemical reaction where the oxidation states of atoms are changed. This occurs through the transfer of electrons between chemical species. Oxidation is the loss of electrons, which results in an increase in the oxidation state of an atom or ion. Reduction is the gain of electrons, which leads to a decrease in the oxidation state. These two processes always occur simultaneously; one species cannot be oxidized without another being reduced.

In a redox reaction, the substance that loses electrons and is oxidized is called the reducing agent, as it causes another substance to be reduced. Conversely, the substance that gains electrons and is reduced is called the oxidizing agent, as it causes another substance to be oxidized. Common examples of redox reactions include combustion, respiration, and electrolysis. Understanding redox reactions is fundamental to many areas of chemistry, including electrochemistry, biochemistry, and environmental chemistry. The concept helps explain how energy is released or consumed in chemical processes and is crucial for designing batteries, fuel cells, and understanding biological energy transfer.