Question

The oxidation reaction always takes place with a reduction reaction. Why is isolated oxidation reaction not possible?

Answer 1

Hint :Oxidation reaction is loss of electrons of an element or compound. So, there must be another element or compound present to accept or gain the lost electrons. This means that oxidation and reduction reactions are half reactions and both combine to form a whole reaction.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
The loss of electrons in a reaction is called oxidation reaction. The gain of electrons in a reaction is called reduction reaction. Oxidation and Reduction reactions always occur simultaneously which is known as Redox reaction.
This happens because for oxidation to take place the electrons lost by the substance that is oxidized must be accepted by another substance.
Therefore, an oxidizing agent must be present in the reaction, otherwise the substance will not lose electrons and oxidation will not occur.
The oxidizing agent typically takes these electrons for itself, thus gaining electrons and being reduced.
Example-the reaction between carbon dioxide and hydrogen is a Redox reaction after which the hydrogen loses electrons and carbon gains electrons. The reaction is given below-.$\text{C}{{\text{O}}_{2}}+{{\text{H}}_{2}}\text{CO+}{{\text{H}}_{2}}\text{O}$
Here the oxidation state of carbon is $ + 4$ in carbon dioxide and the oxidation state of hydrogen is zero as it is in its elemental state. In carbon monoxide, carbon has oxidation state $ + 2$ and oxidation state of hydrogen in water is$ + 1$
Thus, Oxidation and Reduction are complementary processes. So, an isolated oxidation reaction is not possible.

Note :
Oxidation and Reduction process can also be explained in the terms of transfer of Hydrogen or Oxygen. Here, we have explained in the terms of Transfer of electrons. Just remember that Oxidation is always a loss of hydrogen or oxygen or electrons while reduction is the gain of hydrogen or oxygen or electrons.