Oxidation

 

What is oxidation?

An oxidation reaction is when a substance gains oxygen atoms in a chemical reaction. When a substance reacts with oxygen, it forms an oxide. This is an example of an oxidation reaction.

Combustion (or burning) is a type of oxidation reaction, where a substance reacts with oxygen and releases energy. Some substances that burn are called hydrocarbons. They contain hydrogen and carbon atoms. When they burn with enough oxygen, they make carbon dioxide and water (and energy).

 

Rusting is another type of oxidation reaction, where iron gains oxygen atoms and forms iron oxide. Rust is the common name for iron oxide!

Rusty bicycle

The word equation for rusting is:

Iron + oxygen → iron oxide

 

🧪 Knowledge Check: Oxidation

Test your knowledge of oxidation, combustion, and chemical reactions with oxygen.

1. In chemistry, what does the term 'oxidation' specifically refer to?

• A substance losing oxygen.
• A substance gaining oxygen.
• A substance turning into a liquid.

2. Which of these is the correct word equation for the oxidation of iron?

• Iron + Oxygen → Iron Oxide
• Iron + Water → Oxygen
• Iron Oxide → Iron + Oxygen

3. Combustion is a type of oxidation reaction that involves:

• Cooling a substance down until it freezes.
• Mixing a metal with an acid.
• Burning a fuel in oxygen.

4. Hydrocarbons are compounds that contain which two elements?

• Hydrogen and Oxygen
• Carbon and Oxygen
• Hydrogen and Carbon

5. When a hydrocarbon fuel burns completely in oxygen, what are the two products formed?

• Carbon Dioxide and Water
• Magnesium Oxide and Iron Oxide
• Hydrogen and Carbon Dioxide

Click to Reveal Answers

1. A substance gaining oxygen (Oxidation occurs when oxygen is added to a substance).
2. Iron + Oxygen → Iron Oxide (This is the standard word equation for the reaction).
3. Burning a fuel in oxygen (Combustion is the scientific term for burning).
4. Hydrogen and Carbon (Hydrocarbons are found in fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas).
5. Carbon Dioxide and Water (These are the standard products of hydrocarbon combustion).

 

Summary:

 

• A substance undergoes oxidation when it combines with oxygen and reacts.
• Combustion (or burning) is an example of an oxidation reaction.