OXIDOREDUCTION Meaning and
Definition
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Oxidoreduction, also known as redox (short for reduction-oxidation), refers to a chemical reaction in which there is a transfer of electrons between two species involved. It is a fundamental process that underlies numerous biological and chemical reactions, playing a vital role in energy production, metabolism, and electron transfer chains.
In an oxidation-reduction reaction, one species loses electrons (oxidation) while another species gains those electrons (reduction). The species that loses electrons is known as the reducing agent, while the species that gains electrons is called the oxidizing agent.
The process of oxidation involves the loss of electrons, leading to an increase in the oxidation state of the species. On the other hand, reduction represents the gain of electrons, resulting in a decreased oxidation state. Together, these two processes occur simultaneously, maintaining charge balance.
Oxidoreduction reactions often occur in pairs, where one species loses electrons (the reducing agent) that are acquired by another species (the oxidizing agent) through a series of redox reactions. This electron transfer is accompanied by energy transfer, either as an increase or decrease in free energy.
In summary, oxidoreduction refers to chemical reactions that involve the transfer of electrons between two species. These reactions are vital for energy production, metabolism, and electron transfer processes, allowing for the efficient functioning of biological systems.
Common Misspellings for OXIDOREDUCTION
- ixidoreduction
- kxidoreduction
- lxidoreduction
- pxidoreduction
- 0xidoreduction
- 9xidoreduction
- ozidoreduction
- ocidoreduction
- odidoreduction
- osidoreduction
- oxudoreduction
- oxjdoreduction
- oxkdoreduction
- oxodoreduction
- ox9doreduction
- ox8doreduction
- oxisoreduction
- oxixoreduction
- oxicoreduction
Etymology of OXIDOREDUCTION
The word "oxidoreduction" is derived from the combination of two root words: "oxido-" and "reduction".
The root "oxido-" comes from the Latin word "oxidare", which means "to combine with oxygen". In chemistry, oxidation refers to a reaction in which a substance loses electrons or gains oxygen, resulting in an increase in its oxidation state.
The term "reduction" comes from the Latin word "reducere", which means "to bring back" or "to restore". In chemistry, reduction refers to a reaction in which a substance gains electrons or loses oxygen, resulting in a decrease in its oxidation state.
Thus, the word "oxidoreduction" combines these two elements to describe a chemical reaction that involves both oxidation and reduction processes, often occurring simultaneously.
Similar spelling word for OXIDOREDUCTION
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