Oxidation facts for kids

Iron oxidized, forming rust

Oxidizationing is any chemical reaction that involves the moving of electrons. Specifically, it means the substance that gives away electrons is oxidized.

When iron reacts with oxygen it forms a chemical called rust because it has been oxidized (The iron has lost some electrons.) and the oxygen has been reduced (The oxygen has gained some electrons.).

Oxidation is the opposite of reduction. A reduction-reaction always comes together with an oxidation-reaction. Oxidation and reduction together are called redox (reduction and oxidation). Oxygen does not have to be present in a reaction, for it to be a redox-reaction.

In terms of oxygen transfer

Oxidation is a gain of oxygen. Reduction is a loss of oxygen. For example:

• Fe₂O₃ + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO2

Both reduction and oxidation go on at the same time which is a redox-reaction. The loss of Hydrogen-atoms; and, the simultaneously gaining of oxygen-atoms, is known as oxidation.

Related pages

• Oxidizing agent
• Reduction

Images for kids

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  Sodium and fluorine bonding ionically to form sodium fluoride. Sodium loses its outer electron to give it a stable electron configuration, and this electron enters the fluorine atom exothermically. The oppositely charged ions are then attracted to each other. The sodium is oxidized; and the fluorine is reduced.

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  Illustration of a redox reaction

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  Oxides, such as iron(III) oxide or rust, which consists of hydrated iron(III) oxides Fe2O3·nH2O and iron(III) oxide-hydroxide (FeO(OH), Fe(OH)3), form when oxygen combines with other elements

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  Iron rusting in pyrite cubes

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  Enzymatic browning is an example of a redox reaction that takes place in most fruits and vegetables.

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  Blast furnaces of Třinec Iron and Steel Works, Czech Republic

See also

In Spanish: Reducción-oxidación para niños