Question

Why is gaining electrons called reduction?

Answer 1

Reduction: Reduction is defined as the gaining of hydrogen atoms or losing of oxygen atoms or gaining of electrons.

Example: Conversion of Zinc ion to Zinc metal

The balanced reduction reaction can be written as:

$\underset{\mathrm{Zinc}\mathrm{ion}}{{\mathrm{Zn}}^{2+}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)}+\underset{\mathrm{Electrons}}{2{\mathrm{e}}^{-}}\to \underset{\mathrm{Zinc}}{\mathrm{Zn}}$

Therefore, Zinc ions are reduced to zinc metal by gaining electrons.

Hence, the gaining of electrons is known as reduction.