reduktsioonoksüdatsioon

Reduktsioonoksüdatsioon, often shortened to redoks, is a fundamental type of chemical reaction characterized by the transfer of electrons between chemical species. In a redoks reaction, one substance loses electrons, undergoing oxidation, while another substance gains electrons, undergoing reduction. These two processes always occur simultaneously; reduction cannot happen without oxidation, and vice versa.

The substance that loses electrons and is oxidized is called the reducing agent, as it causes the reduction of another substance. Conversely, the substance that gains electrons and is reduced is called the oxidizing agent, as it causes the oxidation of another substance. Oxidation is often described as an increase in oxidation state, while reduction is a decrease in oxidation state. These oxidation states are hypothetical charges assigned to atoms in a compound, assuming all bonds were ionic.

Redoks reactions are ubiquitous in nature and technology. They are essential for processes such as cellular respiration, where glucose is oxidized to produce energy, and photosynthesis, where light energy is used to reduce carbon dioxide into sugars. In industry, redoks reactions are employed in electroplating, battery operation, combustion, and the production of many chemicals. Identifying redoks reactions involves tracking changes in oxidation states of the atoms involved.