Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
Oxidation is a chemical reaction in which a substance gains Oxygen.
About Oxidation
- Oxidation can happen very slowly at low temperatures.
- Both Metals and Non-metals can be oxidised.
- Metal Oxides are basic, while Non-metal Oxides are acidic when dissolved in water.
- When Iron is oxidised it is said to be rusting.
Examples
| Rusting | Burning |
 |
 |
| Iron + Oxygen → Iron Oxide | Magnesium + Oxygen → Magnesium Oxide |
Key Stage 4 Foundation
Meaning
Oxidation is when a metal gains one or more Oxygen atoms to become a metal oxide.
About Oxidation
- Oxidation takes place in displacement reactions involving metal oxides.
In the following redox reaction:
- Aluminium + Iron Oxide → Aluminium Oxide + Iron
- <chem>2Al+Fe2O3->Al2O3+2Fe</chem>
The Aluminium is oxidised because it gains the Oxygen atoms.
Key Stage 4 Higher
Meaning
Oxidation is when a metal loses electrons to become a positive ion.
About Oxidation
- Oxidation takes place in displacement reactions.
In the following redox reaction:
- Magnesium + Copper (II) Chloride → Magnesium Chloride + Copper
- Oxidation of Magnesium: <chem>Mg - 2e^- -> Mg^2+</chem>
The Magnesium is reduced because it loses electrons.
References
AQA
- Oxidation, of alcohols, page 243, GCSE Chemistry; Student Book, Collins, AQA
- Oxidation, page 130, GCSE Combined Science; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA
- Oxidation, pages 137, 139, 140, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy; Chemistry, CGP, AQA
- Oxidation, pages 162, 164, 165, 190, 191, GCSE Chemistry, CGP, AQA
- Oxidation, pages 56-58, 65, GCSE Chemistry; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA
- Oxidation, pages 87, 91, 104-105, 152-153, 163, 220-221, GCSE Chemistry; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA
- Oxidation; gain of oxygen, pages 131-3, 235, GCSE Chemistry; Student Book, Collins, AQA
- Oxidation; loss of electrons, pages 138-9, 155, 157, 159, 161, 164-5, 182, GCSE Chemistry; Student Book, Collins, AQA