Redox Basics: Oxidation and Reduction

1️⃣ What is Oxidation and Reduction? 🔹 Oxidation Oxidation means: Loss of electrons

OR Gain of oxygen OR Loss of hydrogen 👉 Easy trick:

> OIL = Oxidation Is Loss (of electrons) 🔹 Reduction Reduction means: Gain of electrons

OR Loss of oxygen OR Gain of hydrogen 👉 Easy trick:

> RIG = Reduction Is Gain (of electrons) --- ✅ Example: Zn + Cu^{2+} \rightarrow

Zn^{2+} + Cu Zinc loses electrons → Oxidation Copper gains electrons → Reduction

👉 Important rule: ⚠️ Oxidation and reduction always happen together That’s why it’s

called a REDOX reaction --- 2️⃣ What is a Redox Reaction? A redox reaction