What can be said about oxidation and reduction reactions?

Oxidation and reduction reactions, commonly referred to as redox reactions, are characterized by the transfer of electrons between substances. In these reactions, one substance undergoes oxidation, which involves the loss of electrons, while another substance undergoes reduction, which involves the gain of electrons. This electron transfer is fundamental to the process and is what distinguishes redox reactions from other types of chemical reactions.

By focusing on the transfer of electrons, one can better understand how energy changes occur in chemical processes and how various chemical species interact. This foundational principle is applicable to a vast range of chemical contexts, from metabolic processes in living organisms to electrochemical cells.

While some redox reactions might involve gases, this is not a requirement; they can also occur in liquids or solids. Similarly, redox reactions may lead to precipitate formation but this is not a defining characteristic. Therefore, the emphasis on electron transfer effectively defines the nature of these reactions.