Reduction is the gaining of electrons.

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Multiple Choice

Reduction is the gaining of electrons.

Reduction means gaining electrons. When a species accepts electrons, its oxidation state decreases, and it becomes more negative overall. A concrete example is chlorine gas gaining an electron to form chloride ion, which is a reduction. In contrast, donating or losing electrons describes oxidation, where a species becomes more positive or less negative. Absorbing protons isn’t about electron transfer and doesn’t define reduction, since protons are not electrons and redox changes center on electron flow.

Reduction means gaining electrons. When a species accepts electrons, its oxidation state decreases, and it becomes more negative overall. A concrete example is chlorine gas gaining an electron to form chloride ion, which is a reduction. In contrast, donating or losing electrons describes oxidation, where a species becomes more positive or less negative. Absorbing protons isn’t about electron transfer and doesn’t define reduction, since protons are not electrons and redox changes center on electron flow.

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