what are the differences between oxidation and reduction?

Oxidation is defined as a process that involves a gain of oxygen or a loss of hydrogen. When a substance gains oxygen or loses hydrogen during a reaction, it is oxidized.

Reduction is defined as a process that involves a gain of hydrogen or a loss of oxygen. When a substance loses oxygen or gains hydrogen during a reaction, it is reduced.

Oxidation and reduction always take place simultaneously. Therefore, reactions involving oxidation and reduction are known as Redox (‘Red’ for reduction and ‘ox’ for oxidation) reactions. In a redox reaction, one substance is oxidized, while the other is reduced.