Washington Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What is oxidation primarily associated with?

1. A reduction reaction

2. A chemical change

3. An energy release

4. An increase in pH

The correct answer is: A chemical change

Oxidation is primarily associated with a chemical change because it involves the alteration of the chemical composition of a substance. During oxidation, a substance loses electrons, which results in a change in its chemical properties. This process often leads to the formation of new substances, as the original molecules are transformed through the loss of electrons. Oxidation is a fundamental reaction in various chemical processes, including those that occur in various esthetician treatments, such as skin peels and product formulations. Additionally, while oxidation can involve energy release, such as in combustion reactions, the key defining characteristic is the change in chemical structure rather than just energy dynamics. An increase in pH is not directly related to oxidation; instead, it is linked to acid-base chemistry. Therefore, the core concept of oxidation rests on it being a chemical change, which highlights its role in transforming substances in many chemical and biological processes.