Nautical Term: Oxidation
Definition of Oxidation
Oxidation is the process that occurs when a substance or element, such as wood, iron, gasoline, etc, reacts with oxygen. The outcome of this reaction is an oxide. For instance, when wood is burned with fire, it combines with oxygen to form carbon dioxide and other oxides. Similarly, when iron is exposed to oxygen in the air, it forms iron oxide, also known as rust. In welding, the oxygen from the air forms an oxide with the molten metal, thereby weakening the quality and strength of the weld.
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