Oxidizer

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellnesspedia

Oxidizer

An Oxidizer is a type of chemical substance that has the ability to oxidize other substances — in other words, to accept their electrons. They are a key component in fire and combustion, and in major industrial processes such as smelting. They can also be used in rocketry as a component of rocket propellant, and in explosives.

Chemical properties[edit | edit source]

Oxidizers are substances that have the ability to gain electrons in a chemical reaction. This is due to their high electronegativity, which means they have a strong tendency to attract and bind with electrons. This property makes them highly reactive and capable of causing other substances to lose electrons, a process known as oxidation.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Fire and combustion[edit | edit source]

In fire and combustion, oxidizers are crucial. They provide the oxygen that allows substances to burn. In the case of fire, the oxidizer is typically the oxygen in the air. In combustion engines, it is the oxygen in the fuel.

Industry[edit | edit source]

In industry, oxidizers are used in a variety of processes. For example, in smelting, they are used to remove electrons from metal ores, converting them into pure metals.

Rocketry[edit | edit source]

In rocketry, oxidizers are used as a component of rocket propellant. They react with the fuel to produce high-pressure and high-temperature gases, which are then expelled to generate thrust.

Explosives[edit | edit source]

In explosives, oxidizers are used to rapidly produce a large amount of gas and heat. The rapid expansion of the gas causes the explosion.

Safety[edit | edit source]

Due to their reactivity, oxidizers can be hazardous. They can cause fires and explosions if not handled properly. Therefore, they must be stored and used with care.

See also[edit | edit source]

Oxidizer Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg
Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Admin, Prab R. Tumpati, MD