The oxidation state of an atom is the charge that it appears to have when we assume that electrons in a bond belong entirely to the more electronegative atom.
Think of the oxidation state like a score in a game. If you're playing basketball and you make a shot, your team's score (or "state") increases. Similarly, if an atom gains or loses electrons during a chemical reaction, its oxidation state changes.
Reduction: This is the gain of electrons by an atom during a chemical reaction. It results in a decrease in the oxidation state.
Oxidation: This is the loss of electrons by an atom during a chemical reaction. It results in an increase in the oxidation state.
Redox Reaction: A type of chemical reaction that involves both reduction (gain of electrons) and oxidation (loss of electrons).
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