Final answer:
True, oxidation generally changes the shape and/or function of a substance by altering its chemical and physical properties, such as when iron oxidizes to form rust, thereby losing its structural integrity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of oxidation does indeed usually change the shape and/or function of a substance. Oxidation refers to a chemical reaction where a substance reacts with oxygen to form oxides, or in a broader sense, when a substance loses electrons, which increases its charge. This process can alter the chemical and physical properties of the original material. An example of this is when iron undergoes oxidation to form iron oxide, commonly known as rust. This not only changes the color and appearance of the iron but also weakens its structural integrity. In a biochemical context, the oxidation of molecules within a cell can lead to changes in their function or the activation/deactivation of certain pathways.
Oxidation and reduction (redox reactions) always occur together; they are parts of the same reaction where one substance is oxidized and another is reduced. While oxidation involves the loss of electrons or addition of oxygen, reduction entails the gain of electrons or loss of oxygen. Understanding redox reactions is crucial in various fields such as chemistry, biology, and environmental science as they are fundamental to processes ranging from metabolism in living organisms to industrial chemical production.