Can someone please explain what oxidation is?

Rusting of iron is an oxidation process. Iron get oxidesed to oxides like FeO, Fe2O3, etc. Rust is also indicated as hydrated oxides of iron. Let us not get into details of the exact chemical composition of rust. Fe in 0 oxidation state get into 2+ and /or 3+ state. So increase of oxidation state is oxidation. Fe --------------> Fe2+ + 2e- Fe ------------------> Fe3+ + 3e- or 2Fe + O2 ----------------> FeO 4 Fe + 3O2 --------------------> 2 Fe2O3

oxidation in chemistry means an increase in the charge of an atom iron metal has charge = zero. Fe(0) rust is iron(III) and iron (II) oxides. Fe(+3) and Fe(+2) oxides since "rusting" takes Fe from 0 charge to +2 or +3, it is an oxidation reaction

hey Benjamin Barker!! Ok so OXIDATION!!!! quite important in the old chemistry!!! Oxidation is defined an interaction with Oxygen molecules. So any substances that are in contact with Oxygen so that could be metals ...or people even. The more technical term is the loss of one electron when two or more substances interact. In rusting Oxygen molecules create a slow burning process, which results in the brittle brown substance we call rust. The metal itself is not weakened by oxidation, but the surface develops after years of exposure to air and water. Oxidation depends on the amount of oxygen present in the air and the nature of the material it touches. In the case of fresh fruit, the skin usually provides a barrier against oxidation. This is why most fruits and vegetables arrive in good condition at the shops. Once the skin has been broken, however, the individual cells come in direct contact with air and the oxygen molecules start burning them. The result is a form of rust we see as brownish spots. In cars Oxygen molecules in the air will eventually start interacting with the paint and then the metal. The secret of preventing oxidation caused by oxygen is to provide a layer of protection between the exposed material and the air. This could mean a wax coating on a car, a layer of paint on metal objects or a quick spray of an anti-oxidant, like lemon juice, on exposed fruit. Destructive oxidation cannot occur if the oxygen cannot penetrate a surface to reach the free radicals it craves. Free radicals are atoms, molecules or ions with unpaired electrons on an otherwise open shell configuration. These unpaired electrons are usually highly reactive, so radicals are likely to take part in chemical reactions. Sometimes oxidation is not such a bad thing, as in the formation of super-durable anodized aluminum. Other times, oxidation can be destructive, such as the rusting of an automobile or the spoiling of fresh fruit. So the best way to really understand oxidation is byvisualizingg the atoms and see why they are so reactive. If you can visualising two separate atoms that are reactive thats oxidation. Good Luck!! ;-) The reason I have explained it like this is because I dont know your level of chemistry I noticed people have given you eqations but no real explaination. I teach chemistry to 14 year olds and the best way I think to understand anything in chemistry is to give examples. I really hope you can use this info ;-)

Beta oxidation is the process by which fatty acids, in the form of Acyl-CoA molecules, are broken down in mitochondria and/or in peroxisomes to generate Acetyl-CoA, the entry molecule for the Krebs cycle.

oxidation is a chemical reaction with the oxygene like the tea leaves or the sliced appel when it becames black this is an oxidation