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What happens to a species that is reduced?
AIts oxidation number rises by losing electrons
BIts oxidation number falls by gaining electrons
CIts oxidation number stays fixed throughout
DIts oxidation number falls by losing electrons
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. Its oxidation number falls by gaining electrons
1. Reduction is the gain of electrons by a species.
2. Adding negative charge pulls the oxidation number down.
3. Chlorine going from 0 in Cl2 to -1 in NaCl is a clear case.
4. A rise in oxidation number by loss of electrons is oxidation, the opposite change.
_Source: OpenStax Chemistry (CC BY 4.0), Ch 4 "Stoichiometry of Chemical Reactions", section 4.2 Classifying Chemical Reactions_
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