redox

Thân thiện

A student observes a redox reaction in a beaker during a chemistry experiment.

Definition

Noun: A reversible chemical reaction in which one reaction is an oxidation and the reverse is a reduction. It is a contraction of the terms "reduction" and "oxidation."

Usage

The term "redox" is used to describe a specific type of chemical process where oxidation and reduction reactions occur simultaneously and are coupled. It is a core concept in chemistry and biochemistry.

Examples

• The rusting of iron is a common redox reaction.
• In cellular respiration, a series of redox reactions release energy.
• The battery operates based on redox principles.

Advanced Usage

• Redox potential: A quantitative measure of the tendency of a chemical species to acquire electrons and thereby be reduced.
  • Scientists measured the redox potential of the soil.
• Redox state: The balance of oxidized and reduced forms of a molecule within a cell or system.
  • The redox state of a cell can influence gene expression.

Variants and Related Words

• Oxidation-reduction (noun): The full term for "redox."
• Redox reaction (noun phrase): A more explicit way to refer to the process.
• Oxidize (verb): To lose electrons or undergo oxidation.
• Reduce (verb): To gain electrons or undergo reduction.

Synonyms

• Oxidation-reduction reaction

Notes on Meaning

The concept is defined by the transfer of electrons between chemical species. Oxidation is the loss of electrons, and reduction is the gain of electrons. The term "redox" always implies this paired, reciprocal relationship.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a reversible chemical reaction in which one reaction is an oxidation and the reverse is a reduction

Từ đồng nghĩa

• oxidation-reduction
• oxidoreduction