Final answer:
Aluminum (Al) is oxidized as it loses electrons, while silver ions (Ag+) are reduced as they gain electrons in the reaction Ag+ + Al → 3Ag + Al3+.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the reaction Ag+ + Al → 3Ag + Al3+, the species that has been oxidized is Al, and the species that has been reduced is Ag+.
Oxidation is the process where a substance loses electrons, which can be observed in the half-reaction Al → Al3+ + 3e-. Here, aluminum (Al) starts out neutral and becomes Al3+ by losing three electrons, signifying it is oxidized.
Reduction is the process where a substance gains electrons. In the reaction, silver ions (Ag+) gain electrons to become neutral silver atoms (Ag) as shown in the half-reaction Ag+ + e- → Ag, signifying reduction has occurred.