Answer: Accepts electrons and gets reduced.
- A Donates electrons and gets oxidised
- B Accepts electrons and gets reduced
- C Does not change its oxidation state
- D Only works in acidic conditions
Correct answer: B. Accepts electrons and gets reduced
Explanation: An oxidising agent accepts electrons from another species (which gets oxidised), and in doing so the oxidising agent itself is reduced.
Electron transfer in a redox reaction: zinc loses electrons (oxidised, acts as reducing agent) and copper(II) ions gain those same electrons (reduced, acts as oxidising agent).
Concept context
Master electron transfer in chemistry: assign oxidation states, balance half-reactions, identify oxidising and reducing agents, and connect redox to everyday reactions.