For introductory chemistry textbooks, they occur simultaneously. But unless there is a direct transfer between charge species, (say between sodium atom and chlorine gas) especially in solution, the charge transfer between chemical species can be mediated by ions of solution. In this case, does oxidation occur first or reduction first? on which factors this sequence vary? This is important in the case of solution actively participating into solution and recycling itself.
I am well aware that, absolutely deterministic time would be not found in this case (but rather a probability) , since such chemical interactions are bounded by rules of quantum mechanics.
Since oxidation is the loss of electron and reduction the gain of electron, I propose oxidation comes before reduction. The sodium metal must first be converted to sodium ion by losing an electron (oxidation) and then the chlorine atom can then be converted into the chloride ion by accepting the electron released (reduction)
Actually the two processes occur in the same time. It known that sodium alone will not oxidized and chlorine alone will not reduced. When both elements become near each other, the sodium atom starts to loose the election while in the same time chlorine starts to accept the election.
Dears Sumit Bhowmick , Kingsley O. Iwuozor
Probably, you mean an elementary reaction of electron transfer (ET). I would advise you to read more about the theory of ET processes. Do you mean the reaction between sodium and chlorine atoms ( Cl2 is commonly called chloride)? Has somebody studied this reaction? Any references about this reaction?
Dear Zakaria Al-Qodah , I agree with you but I'm not sure that the reaction between sodium and chloride atoms (if it does exist) is the ET process.
In a redox reaction, Oxidation first then reduction occurs.reduction first .Loss of electrons first & gain of electrons later step..
In a redox reaction, Oxidation first then reduction occurs.reduction first .Loss of electrons first & gain of electrons later step..