Reduction is defined as the gain of electrons and oxidation is defined as loss of electrons.

In
other words, oxidation is loss whereas reduction is gain. The reaction which consists of both
oxidation and reduction is termed as redox reaction. These redox reactions find numerous
applications in real life. Combustion is a type of oxidation-reduction reaction and hence it is a
redox reaction. An explosion is a fast form of combustion and hence explosion can be treated
as a redox reaction. Even the space shuttle uses redox reactions. The combination of
ammonium perchlorate and powdered aluminium inside the rocket boosters gives rise to
oxidation-reduction reaction. Electrochemistry also finds its application with redox reactions.
The study of relationship between chemical and electrical energy is defined as
electrochemistry. The battery used for generating DC current uses redox reaction (oxidation-
reduction) to produce electrical energy.

Redox Reactions Electrochemical cell

Electrochemical cell: Batteries or electrochemical cells used in our day-to-day life are also
based on redox reactions. For example storage cells are used in vehicles to supply all the
electrical needs of the vehicles.

Photosynthesis: Green plants convert water and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and this
process is defined as photosynthesis.

Redox Reactions-the Real Life Uses Photosysnthesis

The reaction is given as: 6CO2 + 6H2O C6H12O6 + 6O2

In the above reaction we can see that carbon dioxide is reduced to carbohydrates while water
gets oxidized to oxygen and hence it is a redox reaction. The energy is provided by the
sunlight for this reaction. This reaction is a source of food for animals and plants.

Production of some important chemicals is also based on electrolysis which in turn is based
on redox reactions. Many chemicals like caustic soda, chlorine, etc. are produced using
redox reactions.

Oxidation-Reduction reactions or redox reactions also find their application in sanitizing

water and bleaching materials.

The main source of oxidation is oxygen and therefore redox reactions or oxidation-reduction
reactions are responsible for food spoilage

Aerobic cellular respiration is the opposite process of photosynthesis in that energy

molecules are combined with oxygen we breathe to release energy needed by our
cellsplus carbon dioxide and water. Energy used by cells is chemical energy in the
form of ATP.
Here is the overall equation for aerobic cellular respiration:

C6H12O6 + 6O2 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy (36 ATPs)

In contrast to aerobic respiration, anaerobic respiration describes a set of chemical

reactions that allow cells to gain energy from complex molecules without oxygen.
Your muscles cells perform anaerobic respiration whenever you exhaust the oxygen
being delivered to them, such as during intense or prolonged exercise. Anaerobic
respiration by yeast and bacteria is harnessed for fermentation, to produce ethanol,
carbon dioxide, and other chemicals that make cheese, wine, beer, yogurt, bread,
and many other common products.
The overall chemical equation for one form of anaerobic respiration is:
C6H12O6 2C2H5OH + 2CO2 + energy

Every time you strike a match, burn a candle, build a fire, or light a grill, you see the
combustion reaction. Combustion combines energetic molecules with oxygen to
produce carbon dioxide and water.

For example, the combustion reaction of propane, found in gas grills and some
fireplaces, is:
C3H8 + 5O2 4H2O + 3CO2 + energy
Over time, iron develops a red, flaky coating called rust. This is an example of an
oxidation reaction. Other everyday examples include formation of verdigris on copper
and tarnishing of silver.
Here is the chemical equation for the rusting of iron:
Fe + O2 + H2O Fe2O3. XH2O

Batteries use electrochemical or redox reactions to convert chemical energy into electrical
energy. Spontaneous redox reactions occur in galvanic cells, while nonspontaneous
chemical reactions take place in electrolytic cells.