In a redox reaction, if the oxidation state of an element decreases, what has occurred? (2021)
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
In a redox reaction, if the oxidation state of an element decreases, what has occurred? (2021)
Oxidation
Reduction
Neutralization
Decomposition
A decrease in oxidation state indicates that the element has gained electrons, which is defined as reduction.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
1 item
Q
Q: In a redox reaction, if the oxidation state of an element decreases, what has occurred? (2021)
Solution: A decrease in oxidation state indicates that the element has gained electrons, which is defined as reduction.
Steps: 4
Step 1: Understand what oxidation state means. It is a number that represents the total number of electrons an atom either gains or loses to form a chemical bond.
Step 2: Recognize that a decrease in oxidation state means the atom has lost positive charge or gained negative charge.
Step 3: Remember that gaining electrons is called reduction. When an atom gains electrons, its oxidation state decreases.
Step 4: Conclude that if the oxidation state of an element decreases in a redox reaction, it has undergone reduction.
