Which of the following best describes a redox reaction?

• A. A reaction in which only bonds are rearranged without any change in oxidation states.
• B. A reaction in which electrons are transferred between species.
• C. A reaction that always produces a precipitate.
• D. A reaction in which acids and bases neutralize each other.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a redox reaction involves changes in the oxidation states of atoms, which occur due to the transfer of electrons between species.
2. Recall that oxidation is the loss of electrons and reduction is the gain of electrons; these processes always occur together in a redox reaction.
3. Recognize that a reaction where only bonds are rearranged without any change in oxidation states is not a redox reaction, but rather a simple chemical or molecular rearrangement.
4. Note that producing a precipitate or acid-base neutralization are specific types of reactions but do not necessarily involve electron transfer or changes in oxidation states.
5. Conclude that the best description of a redox reaction is one where electrons are transferred between species, causing changes in their oxidation states.