Final answer:
The acronym 'GER' in 'LEO says GER' mnemonic stands for 'Gaining Electrons is Reduction,' referring to the chemical process where an atom gains electrons and is reduced.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the mnemonic "LEO says GER", the acronym "GER" stands for Gaining Electrons is Reduction. This mnemonic is a useful way to remember the fundamental concepts of oxidation and reduction in chemistry. Oxidation and reduction are chemical reactions that involve the transfer of electrons between substances. In this context, oxidation refers to an atom losing electrons, while reduction refers to an atom gaining electrons.
To further illustrate, consider the reaction of iron with oxygen to form iron oxide, or rust. In this process, iron atoms lose electrons to oxygen atoms. The iron is oxidized (LEO—Losing Electrons is Oxidation) and the oxygen is reduced (GER—Gaining Electrons is Reduction).