Section: STEM · ChemistryDifficulty: Medium
Oxidation-Reduction Reaction
USUK
A reaction involving the transfer of electrons between chemical species.
Also: redox reaction · redox
Definition
An oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction is a chemical reaction in which electrons are transferred between two species: oxidation involves the loss of electrons and reduction involves the gain of electrons. These paired processes always occur together. Redox reactions are central to processes such as combustion, corrosion, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and electrochemical cells.
Example
“In a flashlight battery, zinc metal at the anode is oxidized by losing electrons, while manganese dioxide at the cathode is reduced by gaining those electrons, driving current through the circuit to light the bulb.”
Synonyms
- redox reaction
- electron transfer reaction
- oxidation-reduction
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Related Terms
- Electrochemistry
- Oxidation State
- Half-Reaction
- Corrosion