Consider the reaction of 50.0 mL of 0.25 M hydrochloric acid with 25.0 mL of 0.50 M sodium hydroxide. Since the amounts are identical they will completely neutralize each other. That is they will react completely and both acid and base will be consumed with none left over. In these reactions we see a transfer of electrons from one atom or molecule to another. First let's look at some terms.
Oxidation refers to taking electrons away from a substance.
Reduction refers to recieving electrons - it is the opposite of oxidation. Note that oxidation and reduction always go together. 2 H 2 O Notice that the methane is oxidized by the oxygen. We say that the carbon and hydrogen are both oxidized to give the new covalent products, water and carbon dioxide. A piece of clean copper is placed in a solution of silver nitrate.