Question

M + e-  M-1

Is M oxidized or reduced?

Answer 1

Answer: The substance M is reduced.

Step-by-step explanation:

Oxidation reaction is defined as the reaction in which an atom looses its electrons. The oxidation number of the atom gets increased during this reaction.

`X\rightarrow X^(n+)+ne^-`

Reduction reaction is defined as the reaction in which an atom gains electrons. The oxidation number of the atom gets reduced during this reaction.

`X^(n+)+ne^-\rightarrow X`

We are given a chemical equation:

`M+e^-\rightarrow M^(-1)`

As, the substance is gaining electron and also its oxidation state is getting reduced. So, it is undergoing reduction reaction

Hence, the substance M is reduced.

Answer 2

Answer: Reduced

Explanation: Oxidation reaction is defined as the reaction in which a substance looses its electron. The oxidation state of the substance gets increased.

`M\rightarrow M^(n+)+ne^-`

Reduction reaction is defined as the reaction in which a substance gains electrons. The oxidation state of the substance gets reduced.

`M^(n+)+ne^-\rightarrow M`

Given :
`M+e^(-1)\rightarrow M^(-1)`

Thus as in the given reaction the oxidation state of the metal has decreased from 0 to-1, it is getting reduced.