Difference between Oxidation and Reduction
Oxidation: The loss of electrons or a rise in the positive oxidation state or decrease in the negative oxidation state of an atom, an ion, or specific atoms in a molecule is referred to as oxidation.
Reduction: The gain of electrons or a drop in the positive oxidation state or increase in the negative oxidation state of an atom, an ion, or specific atoms in a molecule is referred to as reduction . It is referred to as reduction in the oxidation state.
Aspect | Oxidation | Reduction |
---|---|---|
Definition | Loss of electrons | Gain of electrons |
Oxidation state | Increase | Decrease |
Electron transfer | Electrons are lost or removed from a species | Electrons are gained or added to a species |
Reactivity | Species acts as an electron donor | Species acts as an electron acceptor |
Examples | Rusting of iron, combustion reactions | Reduction of metal ions, hydrogenation reactions |
Related:
Oxidation Number | Definition, How To Find, Examples
Oxidation number is defined as the total number of electrons that an atom either gains or loses to form a chemical bond with another atom.
Let’s learn about oxidation number in detail, including its rules and steps to calculate it with the help of examples.
Table of Content
- Oxidation Number Definition
- List of Oxidation Numbers
- Oxidation number of elements from 1 to 30
- How to Find Oxidation Number
- Multiple Oxidation Numbers of an Atom in a Molecule
- Oxidation Number Rules
- Fixed Oxidation Levels in Atoms, Molecules, and Ions
- Oxidation Number Examples
- Difference between Oxidation and Reduction