involved.
An atom of carbon. Carbon has six protons
and six neutrons in its nucleus, and six
electrons orbiting around the nucleus.
Of all the electron-grabbing elements, the
most important is oxygen, so much so that
chemists use the term oxidation to name the
general chemical activity of grabbing
electrons from other atoms, even if a chlorine
atom is doing the grabbing. Oxidation is very
important in the kitchen, because oxygen is
always present in the air, and readily robs
electrons from the carbon-hydrogen chains of
fats, oils, and aroma molecules. This initial
oxidation triggers a cascade of further
oxidations and other reactions that end up