Question

What is the difference between oxidation and reduction?

• A. Oxidation is a reaction that removes an electron from a substance; reduction is a reaction that adds electrons to a substance.
• B. Reduction is when the total number of electrons increases in a reaction; oxidation is when the total number of electrons decreases in a reaction.
• C. Reduction is a reaction that removes an electron from a substance; oxidation is a reaction that adds electrons to a substance.
• D. They are both halves of the same reaction.
• E. Oxidation is when the total number of electrons increases in a reaction; reduction is when the total number of electrons decreases in a reaction.

Answer 1

The correct option is A Oxidation is a reaction that removes an electron from a substance; reduction is a reaction that adds electrons to a substance.

Oxidation is a reaction that removes an electron from a substance; reduction is a reaction that adds electrons to a substance.

Thus, oxidation is the loss of electrons and reduction is the gain of electrons.

$Na\to N{a}^{+}+e^{-}$ loss of electrons oxidation.
$Cl+e^{-}\to C{l}^{-}$ gain of electrons reduction.

Hence, the correct option is $A$.