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Which of the following statements is/are correct about reduction? a) Loss of oxygen b) Gain of hydrogen c) Gain of oxygen d) Loss of hydrogen
Only a and d
Only a and b
Only b and c
Only d
Only a and b
Reduction is defined as a chemical process that involves either the gain of hydrogen atoms or the loss of oxygen atoms by a reactant. Conversely, oxidation is the gain of oxygen or loss of hydrogen, making reduction the direct chemical opposite of oxidation in these terms.
Reduction is defined as a chemical process that involves either the gain of hydrogen atoms or the loss of oxygen atoms by a reactant. Conversely, oxidation is the gain of oxygen or loss of hydrogen, making reduction the direct chemical opposite of oxidation in these terms.
Think of oxygen as 'weight' that an atom is carrying; losing that weight is a 'reduction' in its burden, just as gaining hydrogen acts as an addition of energy-rich fuel to the molecule.
OIL RIG: Oxidation Is Loss (of electrons), Reduction Is Gain (of electrons).
ReductionтЯ╣Gain┬аof┬аH┬аor┬аLoss┬аof┬аO
Oxidation┬атЯ╣Loss┬аof┬аH┬аor┬аGain┬аof┬аO
In chemical reactions, reduction corresponds to the addition of electropositive elements (like Hydrogen) or the removal of electronegative elements (like Oxygen). In terms of electron transfer, reduction is the gain of electrons (eтИТ) by an atom, molecule, or ion, which lowers its oxidation state.
Reduction is one half of a redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction.
It often involves the decrease in oxidation state of an element.
Hydrogen acts as a reducing agent in many chemical processes.
Fundamental for energy production in biological systems (e.g., cellular respiration).
Essential in metal extraction from ores (metallurgy).
Extraction of metals from oxides.
Photosynthesis and cellular respiration processes.
| Feature | Reduction | Reduction |
|---|---|---|
Chemical Change | Loss of Oxygen | Gain of Hydrogen |
Option (a) 'Loss of oxygen' is a classical definition of reduction.
Option (b) 'Gain of hydrogen' is another classical definition of reduction.
Options (c) and (d) describe oxidation.
B is correct тАФ Reduction is defined as the loss of oxygen or the gain of hydrogen in a chemical reaction.
Remember 'Reduction: Gain of H, Loss of O' and 'Oxidation: Loss of H, Gain of O'. In exams, always verify the reactant undergoing the change.