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>