Question

Explain the electronic concept of oxidation and reduction.

Answer 1

1. Oxidation- The loss of an electron by atoms or ions is called oxidation.

Atom → Cation + electrons,

$A⟶A^{n+}+n{e}^{-}$

For example, $Zn⟶{Zn}^{2+}+2e^{-}$

Atom 'A' loses n electrons to become a positively charged ion $A^{n+}$ .It is called a cation.

2. Reduction: The gain of an electron by an atom or ion is called reduction.

$B+n{e}^{-}⟶B^{n-}$

For example, ${Cu}^{2+}+2e^{-}⟶Cu$

The atom B gains n electrons to become negatively charged ion $B^{n-}$ . It is called an anion.