Oxidation implies LOSS of electrons lossox
Reduction implies GAIN of electrons
• Oxidation and reduction processes always occur
together.
• An oxidising agent (oxidant) accepts electrons and is reduced in the reaction.
eg. O2 + 4e- ® 2O2-
• A reducing agent (reductant) supplies electrons and is oxidised in the
reaction.
eg. H2 ® 2H+ +
2e-