Oxidization

"Oxidative stress" occurs when unstable molecules called free radicals damage cells. This is why diets rich in antioxidants —substances that inhibit oxidation—are considered healthy.

Oxidation is everywhere, from the engine in your car to the cells in your body. Here are a few ways it manifests:

This is a biological "slow burn." Your body oxidizes glucose (sugar) to produce ATP, the primary energy currency of life. oxidization

At the subatomic level, oxidation is about the movement of charge. When a substance undergoes oxidation, it gives up negative charge (electrons). Because electrons are lost, the overall charge of the atom or molecule becomes more positive.

The substance that loses electrons. It causes the other substance to be reduced (by "donating" electrons to it). Why It Matters Understanding oxidation is critical for several fields: Here are a few ways it manifests: This

Burning wood or gasoline is a rapid form of oxidation. The carbon-based fuel reacts with oxygen, releasing energy in the form of heat and light.

Batteries work by physically separating the oxidation and reduction halves of a reaction, forcing the transferred electrons to flow through a wire as electricity. Because electrons are lost, the overall charge of

When iron is exposed to moisture and oxygen, it undergoes oxidation to form iron oxide, or rust. The iron atoms lose electrons to oxygen atoms.