In a redox reaction, what happens to a substance when it is oxidized, and what happens when it is reduced?

• A. Oxidized: gains electrons; Reduced: loses electrons
• B. Oxidized: gains protons; Reduced: loses protons
• C. Oxidized: loses electrons; Reduced: gains electrons
• D. Oxidized: loses neutrons; Reduced: gains neutrons

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definitions of oxidation and reduction in terms of electron transfer: Oxidation involves the loss of electrons, while reduction involves the gain of electrons.
2. Recognize that electrons are the key particles involved in redox reactions, not protons or neutrons.
3. Recall that when a substance is oxidized, it loses electrons, which increases its oxidation state.
4. Recall that when a substance is reduced, it gains electrons, which decreases its oxidation state.
5. Conclude that the correct description is: Oxidized substances lose electrons, and reduced substances gain electrons.