Imagine a casino — but instead of chips, atoms gamble with electrons. Some atoms are desperate to give them away (metals like Mg, Na, Fe). Others are hungry to take them (non-metals like Cl, Br, O). The moment electrons change hands — a redox reaction occurs.
📤
OXIDATION
The atom LOSES electrons.
Mg → Mg²⁺ + 2e⁻
Electrons leave on the right. Charge goes UP (+).
📥
REDUCTION
The atom GAINS electrons.
Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Cu
Electrons arrive on the left. Charge goes DOWN (-).
🔑 The OILRIG Mnemonic
O
xidation
I
s
L
oss
R
eduction
I
s
G
ain
They ALWAYS happen together → Simultaneous = REDOX