Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Integrated Science (024) Practice Exam

In terms of electron transfer, what does oxidation refer to?

1. Gaining electrons

2. Losing electrons

3. Transferring energy

4. Gaining protons

The correct answer is: Losing electrons

Oxidation refers to the process in which an atom, ion, or molecule loses electrons. This concept originates from the early definition of oxidation related to the reaction of substances with oxygen, where the loss of electrons was associated with the formation of oxides. In the context of redox reactions, where both oxidation and reduction occur, oxidation specifically indicates the increase of oxidation state due to electron loss. Understanding this process is crucial in various fields of science, especially chemistry and biochemistry, as it plays a significant role in energy transfers and reactions within living organisms and industrial processes. The definition of oxidation as losing electrons is foundational in understanding how chemical reactions are balanced, how energy is transferred, and how substances interact with one another in both organic and inorganic chemistry.