Science glossary film: Reduction

Any chemical reaction in which oxygen is removed from a substance. More broadly, this means any reaction in which a substance gains electrons. Usually when one reactant is reduced, another is oxidized in the same reaction. Reactive metals, such as sodium and magnesium, are strong reducing agents, readily able to take oxygen from other compounds.

Usually when one reactant is reduced, another is oxidized in the same reaction. Reactive metals, such as sodium and magnesium, are strong reducing agents, readily able to take oxygen from other compounds.