Which of the following statements is true for electron transfer reactions?
A) One reactant is oxidized and one reactant is reduced.
B) The extent of oxidation and reduction need not be balanced.
C) The oxidizing agent is oxidized.
D) The reducing agent is reduced.
E) An increase in oxidation number represents reduction.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Electron transfer reactions involve the transfer of electrons from one reactant to another. This results in one reactant being oxidized (losing electrons) and the other reactant being reduced (gaining electrons). Therefore, statement A is true. Statement B is false because the extent of oxidation and reduction must be balanced in order to conserve electrons. Statement C is false because the oxidizing agent gains electrons, not loses them. Statement D is false because the reducing agent loses electrons, not gains them. Statement E is true because an increase in oxidation number represents the loss of electrons, which corresponds to oxidation.

Which of the Following Statements Is True for Electron Transfer