What is reduction in the context of a redox reaction?

What is reduction in the context of a redox reaction?

• A. The loss of electrons by a species
• B. The gain of electrons by a species
• C. The transfer of thermal energy
• D. The loss of protons

Answer: (B)

In the context of a redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction, reduction specifically refers to the gain of electrons by a species. When a chemical species gains electrons, its oxidation state decreases, which aligns with the term "reduction." This process is fundamental to redox reactions, as they involve a transfer of electrons between two species, allowing one species to be oxidized (lose electrons) while the other is reduced (gains electrons). For example, consider the reduction of a metal ion in solution to form solid metal: the metal ion accepts electrons from another species, leading to a decrease in its positive charge and transforming it into a neutral metal atom. This key aspect of reduction not only applies in the context of electrochemistry but also underpins various biological and chemical processes, making it crucial to understand this concept accurately.

In the context of a redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction, reduction specifically refers to the gain of electrons by a species. When a chemical species gains electrons, its oxidation state decreases, which aligns with the term "reduction." This process is fundamental to redox reactions, as they involve a transfer of electrons between two species, allowing one species to be oxidized (lose electrons) while the other is reduced (gains electrons).

For example, consider the reduction of a metal ion in solution to form solid metal: the metal ion accepts electrons from another species, leading to a decrease in its positive charge and transforming it into a neutral metal atom. This key aspect of reduction not only applies in the context of electrochemistry but also underpins various biological and chemical processes, making it crucial to understand this concept accurately.