Which of the following best describes what occurs during a redox reaction?

• A. Atoms are rearranged without any change in electron distribution.
• B. Electrons are transferred from one species to another.
• C. Energy is absorbed but no chemical bonds are broken or formed.
• D. Only protons are exchanged between reactants.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a redox reaction involves changes in the oxidation states of atoms, which means electrons are either lost or gained by species involved.
2. Recall that oxidation is the loss of electrons and reduction is the gain of electrons; these two processes always occur together in a redox reaction.
3. Recognize that during a redox reaction, electrons are transferred from the species being oxidized to the species being reduced.
4. Note that this electron transfer leads to changes in the electron distribution around atoms, which is different from simple rearrangement of atoms without electron change.
5. Conclude that the best description of a redox reaction is that electrons are transferred from one species to another.