Redox Reactions and Electrolysis

Redox reactions involve REDuction and OXidation. Both processes take place simultaneously whichever of several different definitions of oxidation and reduction is employed. For inorganic compounds the most generally useful concepts of oxidation and reduction are concerned with loss or gain of electrons or else with change in oxidation number (or oxidation state). Redox reactions may be studied volumetrically (by titration) or thermodynamically with electrochemical cells.