text: an oxidation reduction reaction (or redox) is an eqasion in which 2 half reactions take place. one half reaction, oxidation is where the # of electrons in the element reduces and the charge increases. the element with the increasing charge is called the oxidizing agent. the other half reaction, reduction, is where an element gains the electrons given off by the oxidizing agent. the element who gains electrons is the reducing agent and the charge lowers (because electrons have a negitive charge). i hope this has answered your question.