Question

What does oxidizing mean in chemistry?

Answer 1

It may mean one of two things: (1) reacting with oxygen to form oxides, or (2) getting a higher oxidation state.

Explanation:

(1) Example:
`2Cu+O_2->2CuO`

(2) Example:
`Cu^(2+)+3I^(-) ->CuI+I_2`,
where part of the `I^-` is lifted from level `-1` to level `0`
(and the copper is reduced from `+2` to `+1`)

Note:
(2) is a more embracing definition, as example (1) is also a lifting of copper from level `0` to level `+2` (and a reduction of `O` from level `0` to `-2`).

Against every oxidation there is an equivalent reduction .