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

Rapidly flowing waters - biota of rivers, Rapidly Flowing Waters - Biota of...

Rapidly Flowing Waters - Biota of Rivers In the rapidly flowing section of the river, the water current is the dominant feature. Everything that is not attached or weighed is

What does balanced diet means, What does Balanced Diet means Balanced D...

What does Balanced Diet means Balanced Diet means diet which contains a variety of foods in such quantities and proportions that the need for energy, proteins, vitamins, minera

Stds, define stds give 5 examples of stds give signs, symptoms, treatment a...

define stds give 5 examples of stds give signs, symptoms, treatment and prevention of each example

What are the roles of atp and nadph, Q. What are the roles of ATP and NADPH...

Q. What are the roles of ATP and NADPH in the chemical stage of photosynthesis? NADPH acts as reductant of carbon dioxide it delivers highly energetic hydrogen to precursor mol

What is atraumatic needles, What is Atraumatic needles Atraumatic need...

What is Atraumatic needles Atraumatic needles with sutures comprise an eyeless needle attached to a specific length of suture thread. There are several shapes of surgical n

Explain pseudocoelomates in classification animal kingdom, Explain Pseudoco...

Explain Pseudocoelomates in classification animal kingdom? In terms of body organization, Pseudocoelomates fall between the Acoelomates and the Coelomates. The body cavity in

What is root pressure, What is root pressure? Root pressure is the pre...

What is root pressure? Root pressure is the pressure that forces water from the soil to be absorbed by the xylem of the root. It is because of the osmotic gradient among the i

Genetics, The involuntary muscle movement is also genetical sk question #M...

The involuntary muscle movement is also genetical sk question #Minimum 100 words accepted#

What is cold-shortening, What is cold-shortening It is important to poi...

What is cold-shortening It is important to point out that over-effective chilling of hot carcasses can lead to toughness. If the temperature of the meat (muscles) can be reduce

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