When an atom, a molecule, or an ion loses one or more electrons in a chemical reaction, it is said to be oxidation.There is an increase in the oxidation state of a chemical species when it undergoes oxidation.Oxidation does not always require the compulsion of presence of oxygen.
Historical Definition of Oxidation Involving Oxygen
When oxygen was added to a chemical, it was referred to as oxidation. Because oxygen gas (O2) was the first known oxidising agent, this was the case. While adding oxygen to a substance usually results in electron loss and an increase in oxidation state, the definition of oxidation has been broadened to cover different sorts of chemical processes.
When iron reacts with oxygen to generate iron oxide or rust, this is a classic illustration of the classical concept of oxidation. Rust is said to have formed from the iron. The chemical reaction is as follows:
2Fe + O2 → Fe2O3
The iron metal is oxidised, resulting in the formation of iron oxide, sometimes known as rust.Oxidation reactions can take several forms, including electrochemical reactions. When a copper wire is immersed in a solution containing silver ions, electrons from the copper metal are transferred to the silver ions. The metal copper has oxidised. Copper ions are discharged into solution as silver metal whiskers on the copper wire.Cu(s) + 2 Ag+(aq) → Cu2+(aq) + 2 Ag(s)
The reaction between magnesium metal and oxygen to generate magnesium oxide is another example of oxidation where one element interacts with oxygen. Because many metals oxidise, it’s helpful to know the equation’s form:
2 Mg (s) + O2 (g) → 2 MgO (s)
Redox Reaction
When the electron was found and chemical reactions could be described, scientists learned that oxidation and reduction happen simultaneously, with one species losing electrons (oxidised) and the other receiving electrons (reduced) (reduced).
The metal atom losing electrons to form the cation (being oxidised) and the oxygen molecule receiving electrons to generate oxygen anions might then be interpreted as the metal atom losing electrons to form the cation (being oxidised). For example, in the case of magnesium, the reaction may be recast as:
2 Mg + O2 → 2 [Mg2+][O2-]
half-reactions:
Mg → Mg2+ + 2 e-
O2 + 4 e- → 2 O2-
What is Oxygen?
The element oxygen is a chemical compound. It has the atomic number 8 and the symbol O. After hydrogen and helium, it is the third most common element in the universe.By volume, oxygen makes up more than a fifth of the Earth’s atmosphere. Two oxygen atoms in the air normally combine to form dioxygen (O2), a colourless gas. This gas is commonly referred to as “oxygen.” It has no flavour or odour. When it’s liquid or solid, it’s a pale blue colour.On the periodic table, oxygen belongs to the chalcogen group. It’s a nonmetal with a high reactivity. It produces oxides and other multi-element compounds.
By mass, oxygen in oxides and other compounds (mainly silicate minerals and calcium carbonate in limestone) accounts for about half of the Earth’s crust.
The majority of living creatures utilise oxygen to breathe. Proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids are only a few of the components in living things that contain oxygen. Water contains oxygen, which all known life requires to survive. Photosynthesis produces the oxygen gas on Earth, which is produced by algae, cyanobacteria, and plants. They use the Sun’s light to extract hydrogen from water, which they then release as oxygen.The ozone layer is made up of ozone (O3), which is found at the top of the Earth’s atmosphere. It absorbs UV radiation, resulting in less radiation reaching the ground.
Iron Oxide
Iron oxides are a type of chemical compound that combines iron and oxygen. Rust (type of iron(iii) oxide) is the most well-known of the sixteen different varieties of iron oxide. Iron Oxide is found throughout nature and is important in biological and geological processes.
Iron Oxide is also known as ferric oxide. Iron oxide has the chemical formula Fe2O3. Iron oxide is a transition metal oxide with a variety of crystalline and stoichiometric forms. Iron Oxide can be used as a healing supplement. Furthermore, investigations have revealed that this specialty can act as an antioxidant compound in addition to providing blood iron (Fe) for microorganism cells. Goethite, akaganeite, lepidocrocite, magnetite, and hematite are some of the most common iron oxides.
Conclusion
When the electron was found and chemical reactions could be described, scientists learned that oxidation and reduction happen simultaneously, with one species losing electrons (oxidised) and the other receiving electrons (reduced) (reduced). A redox reaction, which means for reduction-oxidation, involves both oxidation and reduction. In a nutshell, oxidation occurs when a substance undergoes a chemical change, or when oxygen or electrons are added or lost. The transport of electrons or oxygen is involved.