Correct option is B
The correct answer is (b) Loss of electrons.
Correct Answer Explanation:
- Reduction is defined as the gain of electrons, the addition of hydrogen, or the removal of oxygen in a chemical reaction.
- option (B) states "Loss of electrons,"incorrectoxidationSince this is because the loss of electrons actually represents , not reduction.
- OIL RIGThis concept is commonly explained using the mnemonic :
- Oxidation Is Loss (of electrons)
- Reduction Is Gain (of electrons)
Information about Other Options:
- (A) Removal of oxygen – Correct. Reduction can involve the removal of oxygen from a substance. For example:
CuO+H2→Cu+H2O
Here, CuO is reduced to Cu by losing oxygen.
- (C) Gain of electrons – Correct. Reduction is the gain of electrons. For example, in the reaction:
Fe3++e−→Fe2+
The Fe³⁺ ion gains an electron, meaning it undergoes reduction.
- (D) Addition of Hydrogen – Correct. The reduction can also mean the addition of hydrogen. For example:
C2H4+H2→C2H6
Here, C₂H₄ is reduced to C₂H₆ by adding hydrogen.
Information Booster:
Oxidation:
- Oxidation is the process in which a substance loses electrons, or its oxidation state increases. It often involves the addition of oxygen or removal of hydrogen from a substance.
Reduction:
- Reduction is the process in which a substance gains electrons or its oxidation state decreases. It often involves the addition of hydrogen or removal of oxygen from a substance.
These processes always occur together in a redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction.