How would you define oxidation and reduction in terms of electron transfer?

Oxidation and reduction are fundamental chemical processes that involve the transfer of electrons between chemical species. Here's a concise breakdown:

Oxidation: This process involves the loss of electrons by a chemical species. When a substance undergoes oxidation, it loses one or more electrons, leading to an increase in its oxidation state. This loss of electrons typically occurs alongside a decrease in hydrogen content or an increase in oxygen content.

Reduction: In contrast, reduction involves the gain of electrons by a chemical species. When a substance undergoes reduction, it gains one or more electrons, leading to a decrease in its oxidation state. This gain of electrons typically occurs alongside an increase in hydrogen content or a decrease in oxygen content.

Remember the acronym "OIL RIG" to help remember the processes:

Oxidation Is Loss (of electrons)
Reduction Is Gain (of electrons)
In summary, oxidation involves electron loss, while reduction involves electron gain. These processes often occur simultaneously in chemical reactions, with one substance being oxidized (losing electrons) and another being reduced (gaining electrons).