User:Masterhomer/Oxidation

Oxidation is the process in which electrons are transfered between ions. History "oxidation" ment transfer of oxygen, hence the deceptive name.

Cu2+ + Zn -> Cu + Zn2+

In this example, Cu is the oxidation agent, it is said to be reduced. It gains 2 electrons. Zn is the reducing agent, and is said to be oxidized, and loses its 2 electrons. Oxidization and reductions always occur at the same time.