What is reduction, Biology

Assignment Help:

What is reduction?

The most commonly understood definition of reduction is the removal of oxygen or addition of hydrogen ions. However, chemically, reduction can be defined as gain of electrons just as oxidation is loss of electrons. Let us look at the illustration:

 

18_What is reduction.png

Thus, the substance that a gains electron is reduced and that loses electrons is oxidized. In the above equations, cupric gains electrons and becomes cuprous in reduction and vice versa in oxidation. In an oxidation-reduction reaction, the electron donor is oxidized and the electron acceptor is reduced. See the reaction below:

2Na + Cl2 → NaCl

The sodium is oxidized since it has lost electrons and chloride is reduced as it has gained those electrons. In organic reactions, oxidation-reduction reactions usually involve loss or gain of hydrogen. Thus, to summarize, reduction is gain of electrons, gain of hydrogen or removal of oxygen and oxidation is loss of electrons, gain of oxygen or loss of hydrogen.


Related Discussions:- What is reduction

Rna molecule have two polynucleotide chains like the dna, Q Does RNA molecu...

Q Does RNA molecule have two polynucleotide chains like the DNA? Only DNA has two polynucleotide chains. The RNA is formed by just one polynucleotide chain.

Protozoans and cnidarians, compare and contrast the structure of the follow...

compare and contrast the structure of the following: hyrda plain, hydra mematocysts, obelia, amoeba, euglena, paramecium caudatum conjugation, euglena acus.

Genetics, 5. Maple syrup urine disease is a rare inborn error of metabolism...

5. Maple syrup urine disease is a rare inborn error of metabolism. It derives its name from the odor of the urine of affected individuals. If untreated, affected children die soon

Dietary management of constipation, Q. Dietary Management of Constipation? ...

Q. Dietary Management of Constipation? Management of constipation lies in developing regularity of habit through a bowel- training programme and by establishing good healthy ha

Protozoa, What are the disadvantages of protozoa

What are the disadvantages of protozoa

Explain about gelation, Gelation Agar gels can be formed in very dilute...

Gelation Agar gels can be formed in very dilute solutions containing a fraction of 1% agar. In fact gelation is perceptible at concentrations as low as 0.04%. These gels are ri

Mitosis / Meiosis, Why must our cells duplicate the DNA molecules before t...

Why must our cells duplicate the DNA molecules before they divide in Mitosis? Why do chromosomes condense by wrapping around the histone protiens durning the cell cycle?

Vitamins, VI T AMINS   Made up of protein or fat. Vitamins r...

VI T AMINS   Made up of protein or fat. Vitamins required in minute quantity for normal metabolism and body functions. Vitamins are supposed to be vital amines

Phylum annilida, how we attempt a question of phylum annilida in exam?

how we attempt a question of phylum annilida in exam?

Stomach, Describe about the stomach

Describe about the stomach

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd