User:Masterhomer/Oxidation
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Oxidation is the process in which electrons are transfered between ions. History "oxidation" ment transfer of oxygen, hence the deceptive name.
Cu2+ + Zn -> Cu + Zn2+
In this example, Cu is the oxidation agent, it is said to be reduced. It gains 2 electrons. Zn is the reducing agent, and is said to be oxidized, and loses its 2 electrons. Oxidization and reductions always occur at the same time.