Reduction Reactions:
Reduction is a type of chemical reaction that involves the gain of electrons by an atom, ion, or molecule. It is the opposite of oxidation, where there is a loss of electrons. In reduction reactions, the oxidation state of the reactant decreases, indicating a gain of electrons.

Example 1: Reduction of Iron(III) Oxide by Carbon Monoxide
One example of a reduction reaction is the reduction of iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3) by carbon monoxide (CO) to produce iron (Fe) and carbon dioxide (CO2). The chemical equation for this reaction is:

2 Fe2O3 + 3 CO → 4 Fe + 3 CO2

Explanation:
- In this reaction, iron(III) oxide is being reduced, as its oxidation state decreases from +3 to 0. The carbon monoxide molecule acts as a reducing agent by providing electrons to the iron(III) oxide.
- Carbon monoxide itself is being oxidized, as its oxidation state increases from 0 to +2 in carbon dioxide.
- The iron(III) oxide is reduced to elemental iron, which is a solid, while carbon monoxide is oxidized to carbon dioxide, which is a gas. This reaction is commonly used in the extraction of iron from its ore in the blast furnace.

Example 2: Reduction of Copper(II) Ion by Zinc
Another example of a reduction reaction is the reduction of copper(II) ion (Cu2+) by zinc (Zn) to produce copper (Cu) and zinc(II) ion (Zn2+). The chemical equation for this reaction is:

Cu2+ + Zn → Cu + Zn2+

Explanation:
- In this reaction, copper(II) ion is being reduced, as its oxidation state decreases from +2 to 0. Zinc acts as the reducing agent by providing electrons to the copper(II) ion.
- Zinc itself is being oxidized, as its oxidation state increases from 0 to +2 in zinc(II) ion.
- The copper(II) ion is reduced to elemental copper, which is a solid, while zinc is oxidized to zinc(II) ion. This reaction is often used in electroplating, where a layer of copper is deposited onto a surface.

In both examples, reduction reactions involve the gain of electrons by one species and the corresponding loss of electrons by another species. These reactions play a crucial role in various chemical and industrial processes, from metal extraction to organic synthesis.

ZnO + C ‐ Zn + CO
In this reaction zinc oxide is losing oxygen, so it is being reduced to zinc. So, it is an example of reduction.


CuO + H2 - Cu + H2O
In this reaction copper oxide is losing oxygen, so it is being reduced to Copper. So, it is an example of reduction.

Thus, these are the two examples of reduction.