The key difference between oxidation and reduction is that oxidation involves the loss of electrons, while reduction involves the gain of electrons.
What is Oxidation?
Oxidation is a chemical process where a substance loses electrons, leading to an increase in its oxidation state. It often involves the addition of oxygen or the removal of hydrogen from a molecule. Oxidation can also occur without involving oxygen.
This process can result in changes in the physical and chemical properties of the substance. Oxidation reactions are vital in energy production, such as in cellular respiration, where molecules release energy as they are oxidized.
Common indicators of oxidation include the formation of rust on metals and the browning of fruits. Oxidation can be accelerated by heat, light, or catalysts. It is a key concept in redox reactions, which involve the transfer of electrons between reactants.
What is Reduction?
Reduction is a chemical process where a substance gains electrons, resulting in a decrease in its oxidation state. This process often involves the removal of oxygen or the addition of hydrogen.
Reduction reactions frequently lead to the formation of new compounds with lower oxidation states. The substance that undergoes reduction is called the “reducing agent” because it provides electrons to another substance
Reduction reactions play a crucial role in various natural and industrial processes, including metabolism, energy production, and metal extraction. They are essential for maintaining the balance of electron transfer in chemical reactions.
Reduction involves the addition of electrons, a decrease in oxidation state, and the potential formation of new compounds with lower oxidation numbers.
Oxidation vs Reduction
The major difference between oxidation and reduction is given below:
| Oxidation | May involve the gain of oxygen atoms | |
| Gain/Loss of Electrons | Loss of electrons (increases oxidation state) | Gain of electrons (decreases oxidation state) |
| Oxidation State Change | Increase in oxidation state | Decrease in oxidation state |
| Reactant Transformation | Reactant loses electrons (becomes oxidized) | Reactant gains electrons (becomes reduced) |
| Electron Donor/Acceptor | Donates electrons | Accepts electrons |
| Oxygen Addition | May involve the loss of hydrogen atoms | Generally involves loss of oxygen atoms |
| Hydrogen Loss | Generally involves the gain of hydrogen atoms | Generally involves gain of hydrogen atoms |