Chapter 20, Problem 32A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The chemical process that accompanies a reduction is to be determined.

Concept introduction: The chemical process that involves the gain of negatively charged electrons is reduction.

Answer to Problem 32A

Oxidation is the chemical process that always accompanies the reduction process.

Explanation of Solution

The chemical process that involves the loss of electrons is referred to as oxidation. The electrons removed by the oxidized species are accepted by another electron and are said to be reduced.

For example,

  $C{u}^{2+}+Zn\to Cu+Z{n}^{2+}$

Zinc loss removes the two-electron present on them and forms $Z{n}^{2+}$ . And $C{u}^{2+}$ accepts the electron lost by Zn and forms the Cu.

So, oxidation must always accompany the reduction process.