Oxidation and Reduction Reaction

Oxidation Reaction

Oxidation is a reaction which involves the addition of oxygen or the removal of hydrogen from a substance or the loss of electron of a substance.

Example : 

C + O₂ → CO₂     (oxidation of carbon)

H₂S + Br₂ → 2 HBr + S (oxidation of sulphide)

Reduction Reaction

Reduction is a reaction which involves the addition of hydrogen or removal of oxygen from a substance or the gain  of electron to a substance.

Example:

N₂ + 3 H₂ → 2NH₃    (reduction of nitrogen)

ZnO + C → Zn + CO   (reduction of zinc oxide)