oxidation

/,ɔksidai'zeiʃn/

Thân thiện

A rusty nail shows the effects of oxidation.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The process of oxidizing: A chemical reaction in which a substance combines with oxygen, often involving the loss of electrons from the substance. This process is always accompanied by a corresponding reduction reaction.

Usage

• General Use: The term is used primarily in chemistry to describe a fundamental type of chemical reaction.
• Key Concept: Oxidation is one half of a redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction. It specifically refers to the loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation state by a molecule, atom, or ion. While often involving oxygen, it can occur with other elements.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The rusting of iron is a common example of oxidation.
  • In the battery, oxidation occurs at the anode.
  • The browning of an apple slice is caused by enzymatic oxidation.

Advanced Usage

• "Oxidation state": A number assigned to an element in a chemical compound that represents the number of electrons lost or gained.
  • Carbon has an oxidation state of +4 in carbon dioxide (CO₂).
• "Oxidation potential": A measure of the tendency of a chemical species to acquire electrons and be reduced.
  • A high oxidation potential indicates a strong tendency to be oxidized.

Variants and Related Words

• Oxidize (verb): To cause a substance to undergo oxidation.
  • Copper can oxidize to form a green patina.
• Oxidant (noun): A substance that causes oxidation by accepting electrons; an oxidizing agent.
  • Ozone is a powerful oxidant.
• Oxidative (adjective): Relating to or involving oxidation.
  • Oxidative stress can damage cells.

Synonyms

• Oxidizing: The process of causing oxidation.
• Corrosion (in specific contexts like metals): A destructive form of oxidation, e.g., rusting.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Redox reaction: A coupled chemical reaction where oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously.
  • Respiration is a vital redox reaction in cells.
• Combustion: A high-temperature oxidation reaction, usually with oxygen, that releases heat and light.
  • The combustion of gasoline powers the engine.
• Antioxidant: A substance that inhibits oxidation, often used to prevent damage in biological systems or materials.
  • Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant.

Học thuật

Noun

1. the process of oxidizing; the addition of oxygen to a compound with a loss of electrons; always occurs accompanied by reduction

Từ đồng nghĩa

• oxidization
• oxidisation