What is the effect in matter in Oxidation?

1 Answer

Oxidation occurs when atoms lose electrons. This will cause the oxidation number of the particle to increase.

Explanation:

Here are some examples of oxidation.

The video below shows the oxidation of magnesium. This can also be called a combustion reaction.

The reaction can be summarized as follows

#2Mg + O_2 -> 2MgO#

In the reaction the magnesium is oxidized and the oxygen is reduced. This causes the magnesium atom to convert to a #Mg^(2+)# ion and the oxygen atoms become #O^(2-)#. This leads to the formation of an ionic compound.

Here is another video which discussed the oxidation-reduction reaction of copper and an aqueous solution of silver nitrate.

Hope this helps!