Chapter 20.1, Problem 3LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The oxidation and reduction process based on the gain and loss of oxygen is to be defined.

Concept introduction: The reaction in which oxidation and reduction take place simultaneously is a redox reaction. The process that involves the loss of electrons in a chemical reaction is referred to as oxidation. And the process that involves the gain of electrons in a chemical reaction is referred to as the reduction.

Answer to Problem 3LC

The reaction which involves the gain of oxygen is oxidation while that involves the loss of oxygen is reduction.

Explanation of Solution

The oxidation and reduction processes taking place in a redox reaction can also be explained based on the gain or loss of electrons too.

The chemical reaction in which the chemical species gains oxygen is defined as oxidation. For example,

  $2\text{Cu}+{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}\to \text{2CuO}$

It is an example of oxidation in which the addition of oxygen is taking place.

The chemical reaction in which the chemical species loses oxygen is defined as reduction. For example,

  $\text{ZnO}+\text{C}\to \text{Zn}+\text{CO}$

It is an example of a reduction in which the removal of oxygen from $\text{ZnO}$ is taking place.