This document discusses oxidation and reduction reactions. It defines oxidation as a reaction where oxygen combines with an element/compound or where an element loses hydrogen or electrons. Reduction is defined as a reaction where an element gains oxygen, hydrogen, or electrons. Common reducing agents are listed such as lithium aluminium hydride and sodium borohydride. The concept of oxidation state is introduced, which is the charge an atom would have if it existed as an ion in a compound. Rules for determining oxidation states are provided. An example of finding the oxidation states of elements in ammonium sulfate is worked out.