Oxidation is defined as which of the following?

Oxidation is defined as which of the following?

• A. A chemical change involving oxygen.
• B. A physical change that lowers temperature.
• C. A reaction with nitrogen.
• D. A change of state from liquid to gas.

Answer: (A)

Oxidation is defined by a chemical change involving oxygen. When a substance reacts with oxygen to form an oxide—such as iron reacting with oxygen to become iron oxide, or a hydrocarbon burning to produce carbon dioxide and water—that's oxidation. This definition fits best because it describes a chemical reaction where oxygen is part of the process. The other ideas describe either physical changes (like a change of temperature or state) or actions not involving oxygen (such as a reaction with nitrogen). In more advanced terms, oxidation can also be viewed as an increase in oxidation state of an element, typically through loss of electrons, but the classic, everyday definition centers on the involvement of oxygen.

Oxidation is defined by a chemical change involving oxygen. When a substance reacts with oxygen to form an oxide—such as iron reacting with oxygen to become iron oxide, or a hydrocarbon burning to produce carbon dioxide and water—that's oxidation. This definition fits best because it describes a chemical reaction where oxygen is part of the process. The other ideas describe either physical changes (like a change of temperature or state) or actions not involving oxygen (such as a reaction with nitrogen). In more advanced terms, oxidation can also be viewed as an increase in oxidation state of an element, typically through loss of electrons, but the classic, everyday definition centers on the involvement of oxygen.