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## Oxidation and Reduction The gain of electrons is called **reduction**, and the loss of electrons is called **oxidation**. **Example:** Sodium (Na) and Chlorine (Cl) react to form table salt: - Na becomes **oxidized** and **loses** an electron, forming Na+ - Cl becomes **reduced** and **gains**...

## Oxidation and Reduction The gain of electrons is called **reduction**, and the loss of electrons is called **oxidation**. **Example:** Sodium (Na) and Chlorine (Cl) react to form table salt: - Na becomes **oxidized** and **loses** an electron, forming Na+ - Cl becomes **reduced** and **gains** an electron, forming Cl- This can be generalized as: Xe- + Y → X + Ye- - Xe- is the **reducing agent** (donates the electron). - Y is the **oxidizing agent** (accepts the electron). ### Methane Combustion as an Energy-Yielding Redox Reaction Methane, CH4, reacts with oxygen, O2 to form carbon dioxide, CO2, water, H2O, and release energy. **Reactants:** - CH4: carbon shares electrons almost equally with hydrogen - O2: oxygen shares electrons equally with itself **Products:** - CO2: Carbon shares electrons less equally with oxygen, losing some electrons - H2O: Oxygen shares electrons more equally with hydrogen, gaining some electrons The carbon atom in methane is **oxidized**. The oxygen atom in O2 is **reduced**. This reaction releases energy because electrons move closer to a more electronegative atom, which is oxygen. ### Oxidation of Organic Fuel Molecules During Cellular Respiration The oxidation of glucose by O2 is a major reaction in cellular respiration. - C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + Energy - Glucose is **oxidized**. - Oxygen is **reduced**. This reaction releases energy because electrons move from glucose to the oxygen atoms in O2. This movement results in a lower overall energy state and the energy released can be used for ATP synthesis.