Understanding Antioxidants: The Role of Oxidation and Reduction

  • Thread starter thunderfvck
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Reading
In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of antioxidants and how they prevent oxidation from occurring in the body. The question is raised whether the term "oxidation" also includes "reduction" and if good reducing and oxidizing agents have the same effectiveness in reacting with other chemicals. The conversation also mentions factors that determine whether a chemical is a strong oxidizing or reducing agent, including electronegativity, electron affinity, and ionization energies.
  • #1
thunderfvck
210
0
Hi. I was reading about antioxidants earlier and they speak about the free radicals oxidizing everything, and so the antioxidants prevent this by happening by undergoing oxidation with them. Now when they're saying oxidation do they really mean oxidation/reduction, because as far as my understanding goes whenever there's an oxidation there's a reduction.

Are they just making it simpler by saying oxidation with the implication that the free radicals are good oxidizing agents?

If something is a good reducing agent, and something else is a good oxidizing agent, are they both effective in the same ways in terms of reacting with some other chemical?
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
  • #2
Yes, you can't have oxidation without reduction. Just like you can't have an acid without a conjugate base.

Not sure if I understand your last question.
 
  • #3
If something is a good reducing agent, and something else is a good oxidizing agent, are they both effective in the same ways in terms of reacting with some other chemical?

If you are asking if they are unstable...yes.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
http://groups.msn.com/GeneralChemistryHomework [Broken]

http://www.chemicalforums.com

https://www.physicsforums.com
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #4
What factors determine whether or not a chemical is a strong oxidating/reducing agent?
 
  • #5
Well, on a physical basis there are a lot of factors which determine the instability of a molecule. But regarding the scope of general chemistry factors such as electronegativity, electron affinity, ionization energies on a general basis are pertinent. These factors also have subfactors for example the relative easy with which one can pull off an electron in the outer shell.
 

1. What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are substances that help protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can harm our cells and lead to various diseases and aging.

2. Why are antioxidants important for our health?

Antioxidants play a crucial role in maintaining our overall health by preventing and repairing damage to our cells. They also have anti-inflammatory properties and can boost our immune system.

3. What are some common sources of antioxidants?

Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. Other sources include nuts, seeds, whole grains, and certain herbs and spices.

4. Can antioxidants prevent cancer?

While antioxidants have been shown to have anti-cancer properties in laboratory studies, there is no conclusive evidence that they can prevent cancer in humans. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants, however, is still important for overall health.

5. Can you have too many antioxidants?

Yes, it is possible to have too many antioxidants. Consuming excessive amounts of antioxidants can lead to an imbalance in the body and potentially cause adverse effects. It's best to get antioxidants from a varied and balanced diet rather than relying on supplements.

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • Chemistry
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • Aerospace Engineering
2
Replies
35
Views
3K
  • General Engineering
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
842
Replies
2
Views
2K
Back
Top