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

Winter stratification - thermal stratification, Winter Stratification - The...

Winter Stratification - Thermal stratification During extremes of winter the surface layer of the lake freezes or attains a temperature close to 0° Celsius. Under these condit

Explain the sinus perforations, Sinus Perforations  The maxillary antru...

Sinus Perforations  The maxillary antrum can sometimes be inadvertently penetrated. Through careful pre-operative planning using radiographs, including axial scans, this compli

Determine the uni-ocular movements, Determine the Uni-ocular movements ...

Determine the Uni-ocular movements Uni-ocular movements are the movements of  one eye  studied  at  a time. That means, when left  eye is  covered, then movements  of  uncovere

Diversity, WHAT IS PANDA BAO BAOLOGY.?

WHAT IS PANDA BAO BAOLOGY.?

What are some prophylactic measures against ascariasis, What are some proph...

What are some prophylactic measures against ascariasis? The main prophylactic calculates against ascariasis are: efficient washing of vegetables and other foods; basic sanitar

Important aspect of dietary management during hypertension, Q. Important as...

Q. Important aspect of dietary management during hypertension? Most important aspect of dietary management i.e. the intake of minerals and electrolytes, which are closely assoc

How is the skin involved in the regulation of temperature, Q. How is the sk...

Q. How is the skin involved in the regulation of body temperature? Skin is one of various organ systems participating in maintaining a core temperature, meaning the temperature

Effects on weather - air pollutants, Effects on Weather - Air pollutants ...

Effects on Weather - Air pollutants Dust, smoke and other suspended particulate matter reduce visibility. Fly-ash also affects visibility by intercepting and scattering solar

Calculate how much of the stock solution, A 15 mM solution of potassium chl...

A 15 mM solution of potassium chloride is needed for and experiment. The only liquid stock that is a available is a 1 M solution. Calculate how much of the stock solution is needed

Cytoplasm, CYTOPLASM Name proposed by Strassburger. According to Muhlet...

CYTOPLASM Name proposed by Strassburger. According to Muhlethaler and Frey- Wyssling fluid outside nucleus is called cytoplasm. Two parts of cytoplasm. (1) Hyaloplasm or

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