Oxidation in chemical reactions is the?

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

Oxidation is a fundamental chemical process that can be defined in several ways.
The classical definition of oxidation is the gain of oxygen by a substance.
Alternatively, it can be defined as the loss of hydrogen or, in electronic terms, the loss of electrons.
In the given options, 'Gain of oxygen' directly corresponds to one of the primary definitions of oxidation.

Option A: The loss or gain of nitrogen is not a standard definition for oxidation or reduction in general chemistry. While nitrogen is involved in many biochemical redox reactions, its loss is not the defining characteristic of oxidation itself.
Option B: The loss of oxygen is the definition of the opposite process, which is reduction.
Option C: The gain of hydrogen is also a classical definition of reduction, not oxidation.

Visual 1: Diagram: An infographic illustrating the OIL RIG mnemonic (Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain) with simple diagrams of atoms losing and gaining electrons.
Visual 2: Flowchart: A chart showing the relationship between the classical definitions (gain/loss of oxygen/hydrogen) and the modern electronic definition (gain/loss of electrons) for both oxidation and reduction.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definition of Oxidation in Redox Reactions as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Biological oxidation is the source of energy for life. In cellular respiration, glucose is oxidized to release energy, which is stored in ATP molecules.
Many drugs are metabolized in the liver by oxidation reactions, primarily by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. Understanding oxidation is key to pharmacology.
Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (free radicals) and the body's ability to detoxify them with antioxidants, is implicated in aging and many diseases like cancer and heart disease.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the core concept in the question, which is 'Oxidation'.
Recall the fundamental definitions of oxidation. There are three common ways to define it: gain of oxygen, loss of hydrogen, or loss of electrons.
Use a mnemonic if it helps, such as 'OIL RIG' (Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain) for the electronic definition.
Evaluate each option against these definitions.
Option A ('Loss of nitrogen') is irrelevant.
Options B ('Loss of oxygen') and C ('Gain of hydrogen') define reduction, the opposite of oxidation.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-1)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.