Oxidation

Oxidation is a chemical process in which atoms in a molecular structure preferentially bond with available oxygen, which results in both the atom's removal from, and the weakening of, the molecular structure. Sometimes also refers, in error, to a change in an atom's energy state which would enable such a bond with oxygen to occur.

Oxidation is the most basic form of catabolic reaction, and as such is a key element in the balance between the constructive, and destructive. And order and chaos.

Our bodies continuously rely on oxidation reactions to obtain the energy needed for basic cellular function. Hydrocarbons are broken down by oxygen in our cells which releases energy (carried within another molecule: ATP), CO2, and H2O

Another common example of oxidation is rust. In fact the statue of liberty, quite unintentionally, derived its signature green coloring when its copper medium oxidized over time in the moist environment of the New York watershed.