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Oxidation facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Rust
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.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Reducción-oxidación para niños

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