The chemical species present process electron loss throughout a response experiences oxidation. This course of leads to a rise within the oxidation state of the species. A traditional instance is the response of metallic sodium with chlorine fuel, the place sodium atoms lose electrons to kind sodium ions, thus present process oxidation whereas chlorine atoms achieve these electrons to kind chloride ions.
Oxidation is a elementary course of in quite a few pure and industrial settings. It performs an important position in vitality manufacturing, resembling in combustion and mobile respiration. Moreover, it’s central to many industrial processes, together with steel refining and the manufacturing of assorted chemical substances. Traditionally, understanding this phenomenon has allowed for important developments in various fields resembling metallurgy and supplies science.