Home Page
Biological Environment > Reduction
Loading
This site tells the story of the history of the universe. Click Earlier and Later to follow the story.
Note: Many facts have been simplified to make them easier to understand.

            Click here to read Time Crystal, history of the Universe as sci-fi fantasy romance!

A reduction is when an atom gains an electron from another atom. For example when oxygen combines with hydrogen to make water, the oxygen gains an electron from the hydrogen. The oxygen is said to be reduced. (You might want to remember this by noting that it is illogical! You would expect that something gets smaller when it is reduced, but in fact atoms gain electrons when they are reduced.)

An atom which can lose electrons is called a reducing agent or electron donor. Hydrogen and lithium are reducing agents.
The shell model of the atom explains why reductions occur.
When one atom is reduced another must be oxidized.

Remember OILRIG (Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain)

 

Useful Links

Buy links to your science site


by Wyken Seagrave   |   Copyright © 2012 Penny Press Ltd   |     Terms and Conditions of Use and Sales