Reduction is defined as

Reduction is defined as

• A. loss of electrons
• B. gain of electrons (decrease in oxidation state)
• C. increase in oxidation state
• D. no change

Answer: (B)

Reduction is the gain of electrons, which lowers the oxidation state of the species accepting those electrons. This is the opposite of oxidation, where electrons are lost and the oxidation state increases. In a redox pair, one species is reduced while the other is oxidized. For example, Cu2+ gaining two electrons becomes Cu, dropping from +2 to 0. The other options describe loss of electrons, an increase in oxidation state, or no change, none of which correspond to reduction.

Reduction is the gain of electrons, which lowers the oxidation state of the species accepting those electrons. This is the opposite of oxidation, where electrons are lost and the oxidation state increases. In a redox pair, one species is reduced while the other is oxidized. For example, Cu2+ gaining two electrons becomes Cu, dropping from +2 to 0. The other options describe loss of electrons, an increase in oxidation state, or no change, none of which correspond to reduction.