Question

Which of the following is/are example(s) of reduction?

• A. ${\text{Cl}}_2\text{(g)}+2{\text{e}}^{-}\to 2{\text{Cl}}^{-}$
• B. $\text{Mg (s)}\to {\text{Mg}}^{2+}+2{\text{e}}^{-}$
• C. ${\text{S}}^{2-}\to \text{S (s)}+2{\text{e}}^{-}$
• D. ${\text{Fe}}^{3+}+{\text{e}}^{-}\to {\text{Fe}}^{2+}$

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (D)

${\text{Fe}}^{3+}+{\text{e}}^{-}\to {\text{Fe}}^{2+}$

During reduction an atom or a group of atoms, taking part in a chemical reaction, gains one or more electrons.

For example:
(i) ${\text{Cl}}_2\text{(g)}+2{\text{e}}^{-}\to 2{\text{Cl}}^{-}$
(ii) ${\text{Fe}}^{3+}+{\text{e}}^{-}\to {\text{Fe}}^{2+}$

The other two options are examples of oxidation in which atoms are losing electron(s).