Define the following terms on the basis of electron transfer:
(a) oxidation
(b) reduction
(c) redox reaction
(d) oxidizing agent
(e) reducing agent

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Solution

1. Oxidation: Oxidation is the loss of electrons by an atom or molecule or ion.
2. Reduction: Reduction is the gain of electrons by an atom or molecule or ion.
3. Redox reaction: The reaction in which oxidation and reduction takes place simultaneously is called a redox reaction. Electron transfer takes place from a reducing agent which loses electrons to an oxidising agent which gains electrons.
4. Oxidizing agent: A substance that undergoes reduction and helps in the oxidation of other atom or molecule is called an oxidizing agent.
Ex: $H N O_{3}$
5. Reducing agent: A substance that undergoes oxidation and helps in the reduction of other atom or molecule is called a reducing agent.
Ex: $L i A l H_{4}$

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Similar questions

Potassium (at No. 19) and chlorine (at No. 17) form a compound. Explain the formation of the compound on the basis of :

(a) oxidation (b) reduction

{M n O}_{4}^{-} + S O_{3}^{2 -} \to M n^{2 +} + S O_{4}^{2 -}

In a redox reaction, the oxidizing agent itself gets reduced.

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