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.

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

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

The substance that gains electrons. It causes the other substance to be oxidized (by "stealing" its electrons).

"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. At the subatomic level, oxidation is about the

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.

Preventing the oxidation of metals (rust) saves billions of dollars in infrastructure costs annually. This is a biological "slow burn

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: