Define oxidation - reduction in terms of electrons?

1 Answer
Apr 4, 2018

Surely it's reversed...

Explanation:

Oxidation is defined as the loss of electrons, while reduction is defined as the gain of electrons. Elements that are more electronegative (non-metals) are more likely to get reduced, while metals tend to be oxidized.

A mnemonic to remember is #"OILRIG"#. It stands for Oxidation is loss, reduction is gain.