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Please define oxidation

Oxidation is the loss of electrons during a reaction by a molecule, atom or ion.

Oxidation occurs when the oxidation state of a molecule, atom or ion is increased. The opposite process is called reduction, which occurs when there is a gain of electrons or the oxidation state of an atom, molecule, or ion decreases.

An example of a reaction is that between hydrogen and fluorine gas to form hydrofluoric acid:

H₂ + F₂ → 2 HF

In this reaction, hydrogen is being oxidized and fluorine is being reduced. The reaction may be better understood if it is written in terms of two half-reactions.

H₂ → 2 H⁺ + 2 e^-

F₂ + 2 e^- → 2 F^-