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?

Related questions
See all questions in Oxidation and Reduction Reactions
Impact of this question
7539 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License