Why must oxidation be accompanied by a reduction?

1 Answer
anor277
Jan 21, 2016

By definition, oxidation is the LOSS of electrons; whereas reduction is the GAIN of electrons.

Explanation:

So, since matter and charge are always conserved, any loss of electrons from something, must result in a transfer of electrons to somewhere. Typically, it is the oxygen atom that accepts the electrons; hence electron transfer to oxygen is oxidation. Can you assign oxidation numbers to the following combustion?

#CH_4(g) + 2O_2(g) rarr CO_2(g) +2H_2O(g)#

What is reduced, and what is oxidized?

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