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Biological Environment > Reduction |
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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. |
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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.
Remember OILRIG (Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain) |
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Biological Environment > Reduction |
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Basic Information |
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