Question

Which of the following takes place during a redox reaction? A. Electrons are gained only. B. Electrons are lost only. C. Electrons are both gained and lost. D. Electrons are neither gained nor lost.

Answer 1

The correct statement regarding the redox reaction is

$\boxed{{\text{C}}{\text{. Electrons are both gained and lost}}}$

Further Explanation:

Redox reaction:

Redox is a term that is used collectively for the reduction-oxidation reaction. It is a type of chemical reaction in which the oxidation states of atoms are changed. In this reaction, both reduction and oxidation are carried out simultaneously. Such reactions are characterized by the transfer of electrons between the species involved in the reaction.

The process of gain of electrons or the decrease in the oxidation state of the atom is called reduction while that of loss of electrons or the increase in the oxidation number is known as oxidation. In redox reactions, one species lose electrons and the other species gain electrons. The species that lose electrons and itself gets oxidized is called as a reductant or reducing agent.The species that gains electrons and gets reduced is known as oxidant or oxidizing agent. The presence of redox pair or redox couple is a must for the redox reaction.

The general representation of a redox reaction is,

${\text{X}}+{\text{Y}}\to{{\text{X}}^ + }+{{\text{Y}}^ - }$

The oxidation half-reaction can be written as:

${\text{X}}\to{{\text{X}}^ + }+{e^ - }$

The reduction half-reaction can be written as:

${\text{Y}}+{e^ - }\to {{\text{Y}}^ - }$

Here, X is getting oxidized and its oxidation state changes from  to +1 whereas Y is getting reduced and its oxidation state changes from 0 to -1. Hence, X acts as the reducing agent whereas Y is an oxidizing agent.

In redox reactions, both reduction and oxidation take place simultaneously. This implies the gain and loss of electrons also proceed at the same time. So electrons are both gained and lost simultaneously in redox reactions. Hence statement C is correct while the others are incorrect.

Learn more:

1. Best cleaning agent for burned-on grease: brainly.com/question/3789105

2. Oxidation and reduction reaction: brainly.com/question/2973661

Answer details:

Grade: High School

Subject: Chemistry

Chapter: Redox reactions

Keywords: redox reaction, oxidation, reduction, reductant, oxidant, reducing agent, oxidizing agent, electrons, redox pair, redox couple, oxidation state, oxidized, reduced, simultaneously.

Answer 2

I believe the correct answer from the choices listed above is option C. Electrons are both gained and lost during a redox reaction. From the name itself "redox" or reduction-oxidation, it must be that something has reduced and another has gained that something.