Answer: Gain of electrons.
- A Loss of electrons
- B Gain of oxygen
- C Gain of electrons
- D Loss of hydrogen
Correct answer: C. Gain of electrons
Explanation: Reduction is the gain of electrons (or decrease in oxidation state). In OIL RIG: Reduction Is Gain (of electrons).
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.