The chemical species present process electron loss throughout a response experiences oxidation. This course of leads to a rise within the oxidation state of the species. A basic instance is the response of metallic sodium with chlorine gasoline, the place sodium atoms lose electrons to kind sodium ions, thus present process oxidation whereas chlorine atoms acquire these electrons to kind chloride ions.
Oxidation is a elementary course of in quite a few pure and industrial settings. It performs a vital function in power manufacturing, equivalent to in combustion and mobile respiration. Moreover, it’s central to many industrial processes, together with metallic refining and the manufacturing of varied chemical substances. Traditionally, understanding this phenomenon has allowed for important developments in numerous fields equivalent to metallurgy and supplies science.