Question

Why is losing electrons called oxidation? Give an example.

Answer 1

Oxidation and reduction

• An oxidation-reduction reaction (redox reaction) is a chemical process in which electrons are transferred between two reactants that are involved.
• Oxidation is a process in which oxygen is gained or hydrogen is lost.
• The reduction is one in which hydrogen is gained or oxygen is lost.

Oxidation is the loss of electrons

• Oxidation is defined as the loss of electrons.
• For example: When magnesium $\left(\mathrm{Mg}\right)$ reacts with oxygen $\left({\mathrm{O}}_2\right)$, magnesium oxide $\left(\mathrm{MgO}\right)$ is formed
• The reaction is as follows:

$2\mathrm{Mg}+{\mathrm{O}}_2\to 2\mathrm{MgO}$

• The reaction involves an electron transfer from $\mathrm{Mg}$ to $\mathrm{O}$.
• The reactions are as follows:

$$\begin{gathered} \mathrm{Mg}\to {\mathrm{Mg}}^{2+}+2{\mathrm{e}}^{-} \\ {\mathrm{O}}_2+2{\mathrm{e}}^{-}\to 2{\mathrm{O}}^{2-} \\ {\mathrm{Mg}}^{2+}+{\mathrm{O}}^{2-}\to \mathrm{MgO} \end{gathered}$$

• Magnesium loses electrons to gain oxygen atoms and the loss of electrons is oxidation.