Oxidation

Oxidation, a fundamental process in chemistry, is defined as a chemical reaction characterized by the loss of electrons by a molecule, atom, or ion. This loss of electrons invariably results in an increase in the substance’s oxidation state – a measure of its electron deficiency. While the loss of electrons is the core definition, oxidation is frequently described in terms of the gain of oxygen or the loss of hydrogen. For example, the rusting of iron is an oxidation reaction where iron loses electrons and combines with oxygen. It’s important to note that oxidation doesn’t necessarily involve oxygen; it’s fundamentally about the change in an atom’s electron configuration.