Question

Difference between oxidation and reduction.

Answer 1

Hint: Oxidation is generally considered addition of oxygen and thus it leads to loss of electrons. Reduction is the opposite generally considered addition of hydrogen which lead to addition of electrons.

Complete step by step solution:
First we will describe various points related to oxidation and then mention corresponding aspects of reduction.
Oxidation is generally associated with the addition of oxygen in a reaction. But in general, addition of any electronegative element through a chemical reaction will lead to oxidation. Whenever there is a reaction with an electronegative element, there is loss of electrons. This will increase the oxidation number on the atom/ ion or molecule. An example of oxidation reaction is as follows:

$2Na + C{l_2} \to 2NaCl$. Here sodium is oxidised. Initially there is no charge on the sodium atom but with reaction with choline it loses one of its electrons and increases its oxidation number by 1.

Oppositely, reduction is associated with the addition of hydrogen. But in general, addition of electropositive elements will lead to reduction. As the name suggests the reduction will cause reduction in the oxidation number. This is a process of addition of electrons thus increasing the negative charge on atoms/ ion/ molecules. In the same example above, the chlorine atom gains electrons lost by sodium and results in an increase in negative charge on the chlorine atom.

Note: It is always better to provide examples for such questions. Many burning processes are oxidation processes which involve consumption of oxygen. You can also note that many of our energy producing processes in the body are oxidation processes. Thus there is a saying about ‘burning Carbohydrates in food’.