How Redox Reactions Work: A Simple Guide for Beginners

Redox reactions are chemical reactions that involve the transfer of electrons between atoms or molecules. The term redox comes from the words reduction and oxidation, which describe the changes in the oxidation states of the reactants and products. In this article, we will explain what redox reactions are, how they work, and why they are important in various fields of science.

What are oxidation and reduction?

Oxidation is the process of losing electrons, while reduction is the process of gaining electrons. In a redox reaction, one substance (the reducing agent) donates electrons to another substance (the oxidizing agent), causing both substances to change their oxidation states. The oxidation state of an atom or ion is a number that indicates how many electrons it has gained or lost compared to its neutral state.