What Is The Difference, In Chemistry, Between Reduction And Oxidation?

Chemical reactions often involve the processes of reduction and oxidation. These are two opposing reactions that occur together – they are like two halves of one reaction.

During a reduction reaction, the chemical that is reduced gains electrons or loses oxygen. During an oxidation reaction, the chemical that is oxidised loses electrons or gains oxygen.

Oxidation reduction reactions are often called REDOX reactions for short.

Students of chemistry find it difficult to remember which reaction is which but a simple mnemonic is often used – OIL RIG. This stands for Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain and it refers to the gain of electrons in reduction and the loss of electrons in oxidation.

An example of a REDOX reaction occurs during the electrolysis of aluminium oxide to produce pure aluminium. Each aluminium ion, which has a triple positive charge, gains three electrons to form a neutral aluminium atom, and is thereby reduced. Pairs of oxide ions from the compound give up electrons to form oxygen molecules, and are thereby oxidised.

Reduction means the reduce of Oxygen and addition of Hydrogen.