Question

M + e-  M-1Is M oxidized or reduced?

Answer 1

Answer: Reduced

Explanation: Oxidation reaction is defined as the reaction in which a substance looses its electron. The oxidation state of the substance gets increased.

$M\rightarrow M^{n+}+ne^-$

Reduction reaction is defined as the reaction in which a substance gains electrons. The oxidation state of the substance gets reduced.

$M^{n+}+ne^-\rightarrow M$

Given :$M+e^{-1}\rightarrow M^{-1}$

Thus as in the given reaction the oxidation state of the metal has decreased from 0 to-1, it is getting reduced.

Answer 2

Answer: The substance M is reduced.

Explanation:

Oxidation reaction is defined as the reaction in which an atom looses its electrons. The oxidation number of the atom gets increased during this reaction.

$X\rightarrow X^{n+}+ne^-$

Reduction reaction is defined as the reaction in which an atom gains electrons. The oxidation number of the atom gets reduced during this reaction.

$X^{n+}+ne^-\rightarrow X$

We are given a chemical equation:

$M+e^-\rightarrow M^{-1}$

As, the substance is gaining electron and also its oxidation state is getting reduced. So, it is undergoing reduction reaction

Hence, the substance M is reduced.