Word: Oxidisation
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: Oxidisation is the process where a substance combines with oxygen, leading to a change in its chemical structure. In simple terms, it often involves a loss of electrons from that substance. This process usually happens together with another process called reduction, where another substance gains those lost electrons.
Think of oxidisation like rust forming on a bicycle. When the metal (like iron) is exposed to oxygen and moisture, it reacts and starts to change. This is oxidisation, and it can make the metal weaker over time.
In chemistry, oxidisation is a crucial concept, especially in redox (reduction-oxidation) reactions where one substance is oxidised and another is reduced. Understanding these processes is important in fields like environmental science, biology, and materials science.
While "oxidisation" mainly refers to a chemical process, in a broader sense, it can also mean the deterioration or degradation of materials, such as metals and organic compounds, caused by exposure to oxygen.
There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "oxidisation," but you might hear phrases like "to rust away" which informally describes the process of oxidisation in metals.
In summary, oxidisation refers to a chemical process involving oxygen and the loss of electrons.