Glossary:Oxidation

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Oxidation
In its simplest form oxidation is the process of conversion to oxides, which happens in moist aerated environments, for example carbon in organic matter becomes become carbon dioxide and iron becomes rust (iron oxide). However, oxidation doesn't always involve oxygen, the technical definition involves the loss of electrons (e-, so for example the oxidation of iron involves Fe2+ becoming Fe3+ + e-.

Related Words: Reduction, Redox potential

Source
Adapted from: Soil Science Society of America. Glossary of Soil Science Terms. Available online here, last accessed 28.09.2006.

and, English Heritage (2004) Geoarchaeology: Using earth sciences to understand the archaeological record. UK: English Heritage Publishing.

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