what is the difference between oxidation and reduction?

Answer 1

Oxidation is when a elctron is lossed.
reduction is when the elctron is gained.

Answer 2

Oxidation means that the molecule in question LOST electrons in a chemical reaction, where as reduction refers to the GAIN of electrons.

You can remember it via this mnenomic:

OIL RIG

Oxidation Is Loss
Reduction Is Gain

Answer 3

Oxidation describes the loss of an electron by a molecule, atom or ion. Reduction describes the gain of an electron by a molecule, atom or ion.

Just try to remember it's all about gaining or losing electrons, and the naming is counter-intuitive.... that is to say, reduction is actually, ironically, gaining.

Answer 4

The gaining of an electron is known as reduction.
Losing an electron is known as oxidation

A chemical reaction where both REDUCTION and OXIDATION occurs is called a REDOX REACTION.
it will help remember this if you apply the word OILRIG
Oxidation Is Loss
Reduction Is Gain

Answer 5

Oxidation is when a electron is lost.....Reduction is when the electron is gained.

think of it like this: Ox>>> -
Re>>>+

Answer 6

Oxidation is the build up of deposits, not sure why you would use this in biology...are you sure you've got the word right?

Reduction in biology is usually the first step in MEIOSIS, which is the only process the reduces the number of chromosomes in your body. Meiosis is the cell's way of getting ready to merge with another cell (eggs have only 23 chromosomes and they are matched up with the 23 of the sperm to make 23 pair).