Oxidation and Reduction: Classical and Electronic Concepts

Two ways of understanding the same fundamental process.

Classical Concept

  • Oxidation — addition of oxygen or removal of hydrogen
  • Reduction — removal of oxygen or addition of hydrogen

Electronic Concept

  • Oxidation — loss of electrons
  • Reduction — gain of electrons
Note: Oxidation and reduction always occur together, in a single redox reaction.
Lesson 18 of 26
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