What does oxidation refer to in a chemical reaction?

Oxidation refers specifically to the process whereby a substance loses one or more electrons during a chemical reaction. This is a key concept in redox (reduction-oxidation) reactions, where oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously. When a substance undergoes oxidation, its oxidation state increases because the loss of negatively charged electrons results in a more positive charge or, in the case of certain elements, makes them more likely to form positive ions.

The terms gain and loss are crucial in understanding these processes. While reduction refers to the gain of electrons and a decrease in oxidation state, oxidation highlights the opposite effect. Recognizing that this concept is rooted in the movement of electrons helps solidify the understanding of how different elements interact in chemical reactions.