Question

Explain the following in terms of gain or loss of oxygen with two examples each.

(a) Oxidation

(b) Reduction

Answer 1

(a) Oxidation is the gain of oxygen.

For example:

(i)

(ii)

In equation (i), H₂ is oxidized to H₂O and in equation (ii), Cu is oxidised to CuO.

(b) Reduction is the loss of oxygen.

For example:

(i)

(ii)

In equation (i), CO₂ is reduced to CO and in equation (ii), CuO is reduced to Cu.