Oxidation-Reduction Narrative for Digital Storytelling So whats really going on between elements and compounds in most chemical reactions?

At the nanoscale, a process called oxidation reduction is occurring. Simply put, oxidation reduction is a process where an atom loses one or more electrons, and where another atom gains those electrons. Its a great big electron swap, all in the name of chemistry! Take a simple example of a reaction between Lithium metal (Li) and Oxygen (O2). If we take a piece of lithium metal and expose it to air, it readily reacts with the oxygen, forming a layer of lithium oxide. Many metals (including aluminum foil!) do this. Macroscopically, we see this as a discolored layer, making the lithium appear dull (Lithium is very shiny in its elemental form!). Nanoscopically, each Lithium atom is giving up a single valence electron; in turn each oxygen atom takes in two electrons. After the electron swap, both atoms have a completely filled valence orbital. This is typical to what occurs in many oxidation reduction reactions. Since Lithium lost an electron, it is oxidized; Oxygen is reduced because it gained one or more (two in this case!) electrons. An easy way to remember this new terminology is LEO says GER Loss of Electrons is Oxidation; Gain of Electrons is Reduction.