Q.16: Explain the following in terms of gain or loss of oxygen with two examples each.

          (a).Oxidation

          (b).Reduction

Answer:-

(a) Oxidation: The reactions in which gain of oxygen takes place are called oxidation. Examples –
1. 2Cu + O2 —> 2CuO
2. 2H2 + O2 —> 2H2O

(b) Reduction: The reactions in which loss of oxygen takes place are called reduction. Examples –  
1. ZnO + C —> Zn + CO
2. CuO + H2 —> Cu + H2O