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Oxidation and reduction defined by oxygen

Chemical changes • Reactivity of metals

Key concepts

What you'll likely be quizzed about

  • Oxidation occurs when a substance gains one or more oxygen atoms.
  • The addition of oxygen alters the chemical composition and often raises the oxidation state of the involved element.
  • Oxidation applies exclusively to reactions incorporating the addition of oxygen.

Flashcards

Test your knowledge with interactive flashcards

Why does a reducing agent become oxidised in oxygen-transfer reactions?

Click to reveal answer

A reducing agent removes oxygen from another substance and gains oxygen, hence it is oxidised.

Key notes

Important points to keep in mind

Oxidation = gain of oxygen; reduction = loss of oxygen.

The substance that gains oxygen is oxidised; the one that loses oxygen is reduced.

An oxidising agent causes gain of oxygen and loses oxygen itself.

A reducing agent causes loss of oxygen and gains oxygen itself.

Oxygen definition applies only to reactions with oxygen transfer.

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