If a Molecule Is Oxidized Does It Gain or Lose Energy?

Rusting of iron is an example of an oxidation reaction.
Rusting of iron is an example of an oxidation reaction. Watcharapong Thawornwichian / EyeEm / Getty Images
By
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Chemistry Expert
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
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Updated on September 06, 2018

If a molecule is oxidized, does it gain or lose energy? Oxidation occurs when a molecule loses an electron or increases its oxidation state. When a molecule is oxidized, it loses energy.

In contrast, when a molecule is reduced, it gains one or more electrons. As you might have guessed, the molecule gains energy in the process.

Confused? Think about it like this. Electrons orbit the atomic nucleus, giving it electrical and kinetic energy. If you have more electrons, you have more energy. Keep in mind, however, energy input may be required (activation energy) to get a molecule to change its oxidation state.

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Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "If a Molecule Is Oxidized Does It Gain or Lose Energy?" ThoughtCo, Aug. 27, 2020, thoughtco.com/oxidized-molecule-gain-or-lose-energy-608909. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 27). If a Molecule Is Oxidized Does It Gain or Lose Energy? Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/oxidized-molecule-gain-or-lose-energy-608909 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "If a Molecule Is Oxidized Does It Gain or Lose Energy?" ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/oxidized-molecule-gain-or-lose-energy-608909 (accessed March 30, 2023).
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