Oxidation and Reduction Reactions

Redox reactions, or oxidation-reduction reactions, are chemical reactions in which there is a transfer of electrons from one species to another. In a redox reaction, one species is oxidized, or loses electrons, and another species is reduced, or gains electrons.

Oxidation is the process by which a species loses electrons, and it is typically accompanied by an increase in the oxidation state of the species. The species that is being oxidized is called the reducing agent, and it is responsible for providing the electrons that are being transferred.

Reduction is the process by which a species gains electrons, and it is typically accompanied by a decrease in the oxidation state of the species. The species that is being reduced is called the oxidizing agent, and it is responsible for accepting the electrons that are being transferred.