Oxidation-reduction, also known as redox, is a chemical reaction in which electrons are transferred between two substances. The substance that loses electrons is oxidized, while the substance that gains electrons is reduced.
Oxidation-reduction reactions are used in various industries, such as metal production, batteries, and fuel cells. They are also essential in biological processes, including respiration and photosynthesis.
Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons, while reduction is the gain of electrons. In other words, oxidation involves an increase in oxidation state, while reduction involves a decrease in oxidation state.
Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) is a measure of the tendency of a substance to gain or lose electrons. It is measured in millivolts (mV) and can be used to determine the direction and strength of a redox reaction.
The rate of oxidation-reduction reactions can be affected by the concentration of reactants, temperature, surface area, and presence of catalysts. The nature of the substances involved and the pH of the solution can also influence the rate of the reaction.