Question

How many electrons are gained in the half-reaction O ² +electrons→2O²− ?

Answer 1

In the reduction half-reaction O2 + electrons → 2O2-, four electrons are gained by the oxygen molecule to form two oxide ions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The half-reaction for the reduction of oxygen to oxide ions is:

O2 + 4e- → 2O2-

In this half-reaction, each oxygen molecule (O2) gains four electrons (4e-) to form two oxide ions (2O2-). The electrons gained in the reduction half-reaction must equal the number of electrons lost in the accompanying oxidation half-reaction in order for the reaction to be balanced. This process ensures that the overall charge is conserved, as well as the balance in terms of the atoms involved.