Which of the following statements about redox reactions is false?

• A. Oxidation involves the loss of electrons.
• B. In a redox reaction, both oxidation and reduction must occur simultaneously.
• C. The substance that is oxidized is called the oxidizing agent.
• D. Reduction occurs when a species gains electrons.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definitions of oxidation and reduction. Oxidation is the loss of electrons, and reduction is the gain of electrons.
2. Step 2: Recognize that in any redox reaction, oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously because electrons lost by one species must be gained by another.
3. Step 3: Identify the roles of oxidizing and reducing agents. The substance that is oxidized (loses electrons) is actually the reducing agent, not the oxidizing agent.
4. Step 4: Review the statement in question: 'The substance that is oxidized is called the oxidizing agent.' Since the oxidized substance loses electrons, it cannot be the oxidizing agent; it is the reducing agent instead.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the false statement is the one that misidentifies the oxidized substance as the oxidizing agent.