Home › NEET UG › Chemistry › Electrochemical Series › In terms of electron transfer, which statement c…
In terms of electron transfer, which statement correctly defines oxidation and reduction?
AOxidation is gain of electrons; reduction is loss of electrons
BOxidation is loss of electrons; reduction is gain of electrons
COxidation is addition of hydrogen; reduction is removal of hydrogen
DOxidation is decrease in oxidation number; reduction is increase
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. Oxidation is loss of electrons; reduction is gain of electrons
1. NCERT Ch 7 §7.2 defines the modern, electron-transfer view of redox.
2. Oxidation is the LOSS of electron(s) by any species (a useful mnemonic is OIL: Oxidation Is Loss).
3. Reduction is the GAIN of electron(s) by any species (RIG: Reduction Is Gain).
4. Option A reverses the two definitions. Option C states the older classical hydrogen-based view backwards. Option D inverts the oxidation-number rule (oxidation = increase in oxidation number).
_Source: NCERT Class 11 Chemistry Part 2, Ch 7 "Redox Reactions", §7.2, p. 2 ¶7._
Related questions
The electrolytes of the two half-cells are joined by a:The two portions of a galvanic cell are also called:In the Daniell cell, zinc dissolves at the anode and copper:A negative standard potential marks a reducing agent that is:Going from top to bottom of the table, the electrode potential:The weakest oxidising agent in the table of potentials is:The most powerful reducing agent in aqueous solution is:The weakest reducing agent in the table of potentials is: