Introduction
Oxidation and reduction are two opposite chemical processes that often occur simultaneously in a chemical reaction. They are also known as redox reactions, which involve the transfer of electrons between reactant species.
Oxidation:
Oxidation is the process by which a substance loses electrons or undergoes an increase in oxidation state. In other words, it involves the addition of oxygen or the removal of hydrogen from a substance. During oxidation, the oxidizing agent (which itself gets reduced) accepts electrons from the substance being oxidized. The substance that undergoes oxidation is called the reducing agent. Oxidation reactions usually involve the release of energy in the form of heat or light.
Reduction:
Reduction is the process by which a substance gains electrons or undergoes a decrease in oxidation state. In this process, a substance can gain hydrogen or lose oxygen. The reducing agent donates electrons to the species being reduced, while the substance accepting these electrons is called the oxidizing agent. Reduction reactions typically involve the absorption of energy.
FAQs
How does mass defect contribute to binding energy?
A mass defect represents the “missing” mass converted into binding energy, which keeps the protons and neutrons bound in the nucleus.
How do scientists determine the mass number of an isotope?
The number of isotopes is determined by adding the number of protons and neutrons to their nuclei.
Can two elements have the same atomic mass?
Yes, some elements have different isotopes with identical atomic masses.