[Guillem_dlc]

Hi, can anyone answer this question?

If a metal loses weight is it due to a reduction or oxidation?

Thanks

[mjc123]

By what mechanism could either a reduction or an oxidation cause a metal to lose weight?

[Mitch]

Reduction and oxidation refer to gaining or losing electrons, respectively. Since electrons really don't weigh much it doesn't seem like a logical question to ask.

[Babcock_Hall]

Reduction and oxidation refer to gaining or losing electrons, respectively. Since electrons really don't weigh much it doesn't seem like a logical question to ask.

It's a paradox, but if one takes a deep breath, an answer may suggest itself.

[Mitch]

Breathing didn't help.

[Arkcon]

Think back centuries ago, before people knew what oxidation, and even burning was.  You burned wood, and it lost weight and became ash.  You burned, or oxidized metal and it gained weight.  How to reconcile this with phlogiston theory -- the theory that fire was heat causing something to relase a weightless substance?  They couldn't, and Lavoisier began measuring carefully to get to the bottom of it.

Guillem_dlc:, try this question on for size -- if you boil water away, is that oxidation or reduction?  Or something else, that the physical measurement can't be used to decide oxidation or reduction.