In a redox reaction, what happens to the oxidation state of the reducing agent?

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Question: In a redox reaction, what happens to the oxidation state of the reducing agent? (2021)

Options:

Correct Answer: Decreases

Exam Year: 2021

Solution:

The oxidation state of the reducing agent decreases as it loses electrons during the reaction.

In a redox reaction, what happens to the oxidation state of the reducing agent? (2021)

In a redox reaction, what happens to the oxidation state of the reducing agent? (2021)

Step 1: Understand what a redox reaction is. A redox reaction involves the transfer of electrons between two substances.
Step 2: Identify the reducing agent in the reaction. The reducing agent is the substance that donates electrons.
Step 3: Recognize that when the reducing agent donates electrons, it undergoes a change in its oxidation state.
Step 4: Know that the oxidation state is a number that represents the total number of electrons an atom has gained or lost.
Step 5: Conclude that as the reducing agent loses electrons, its oxidation state decreases.

Redox Reactions – In redox reactions, oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously; the reducing agent donates electrons and is oxidized.
Oxidation States – The oxidation state is a measure of the degree of oxidation of an atom in a compound, which changes during redox reactions.