What Is Oxidation? What Is Reduction?

Oxidation is a process in which a substance adds on oxygen or loses hydrogen. The current definition of oxidation is the process in which a substance loses electrons. Reduction, on the other hand, is a process in which a substance adds on hydrogen or loses oxygen. In modern terms, reduction is the process in which a substance gains electrons.

Oxidation and reduction always occur simultaneously. If one substance is oxidised, another is reduced. The reaction in which this oxidation-reduction process occurs is called a redox reaction.

Oxidising agents are substances which bring about the oxidation of other substances, e.g. potassium permanganate, potassium dichromate, nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, etc.

Reducing agents are substances which bring about the reduction of other substances, e.g. hydrogen sulphide, hydrogen, carbon, sulphur dioxide, etc.

There are a number of oxidation-reduction reactions that are of industrial use. The production of metals from their ores invariably involves these two processes. Organic compounds are also synthesised by various oxidation-reduction techniques.