In a redox reaction, which answer best describes the reducing and oxidizing processes?

• A. Both the reducing and oxidizing agents lose electrons.
• B. Both the reducing and oxidizing agents gain electrons.
• C. The reducing agent gains electrons and the oxidizing agent loses electrons.
• D. The reducing agent loses electrons and the oxidizing agent gains electrons.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of a redox reaction: A redox reaction involves the transfer of electrons between two species. It consists of two half-reactions: oxidation and reduction.
2. Define oxidation and reduction: Oxidation is the process where a substance loses electrons, while reduction is the process where a substance gains electrons.
3. Identify the roles of agents: In a redox reaction, the reducing agent is the species that donates electrons and is oxidized, while the oxidizing agent is the species that accepts electrons and is reduced.
4. Clarify the electron transfer: The reducing agent loses electrons during the reaction, which means it undergoes oxidation. Conversely, the oxidizing agent gains electrons, meaning it undergoes reduction.
5. Conclude with the correct description: Therefore, the correct description of the processes in a redox reaction is that the reducing agent loses electrons and the oxidizing agent gains electrons.