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Oxidation-Reduction (Redox) Reactions

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A redox reaction is one where at least one element's oxidation number rises while another's falls, tracking an electron transfer.

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When sodium reacts with chlorine, sodium's oxidation number rises from 0 to +1 while chlorine's falls from 0 to −1.

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A reaction with no oxidation-number change, such as most precipitation or acid-base reactions, is not a redox reaction at all.