Oxidation

• A. is the loss of electrons.
• B. is the gain of electrons.
• C. can happen only in the presence of reduction.
• D. Both the first and second statements are correct.
• E. Both the first and third statements are correct.

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of oxidation: Oxidation is a chemical process where an atom, ion, or molecule loses electrons.
2. Recognize the relationship between oxidation and reduction: In a redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction, oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously. When one species is oxidized, another is reduced.
3. Clarify the concept of reduction: Reduction is the gain of electrons by an atom, ion, or molecule.
4. Evaluate the given statements: The first statement 'Oxidation is the loss of electrons' is correct. The second statement 'Oxidation is the gain of electrons' is incorrect as it describes reduction.
5. Assess the third statement: 'Oxidation can happen only in the presence of reduction' is correct because oxidation and reduction are complementary processes in a redox reaction.