Multiple Choice
Which element is being reduced in the following reaction?
Cr2O72- + 3 HNO2 + 5 H+ → 2 Cr3+ + 3NO3- + 4 H2O
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16. Oxidation and Reduction
Redox Reactions
Multiple Choice
In a redox reaction, what happens when an atom is oxidized?
A
It loses neutrons and its oxidation number decreases.
B
It loses electrons and its oxidation number increases.
C
It gains protons and its oxidation number increases.
D
It gains electrons and its oxidation number decreases.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the definition of oxidation in a redox reaction: Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons by an atom, ion, or molecule.
Recall that when an atom loses electrons, its oxidation number increases because it becomes more positively charged.
Recognize that gaining or losing neutrons or protons does not define oxidation or reduction; these changes relate to nuclear reactions, not redox chemistry.
Note that reduction is the opposite process, where an atom gains electrons and its oxidation number decreases.
Therefore, in oxidation, the key points are the loss of electrons and an increase in oxidation number.
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