Answer:
In a chemical reaction, reduction is a process in which a molecule or ion gains electrons, resulting in a decrease in oxidation state. This process typically involves the transfer of electrons from one molecule to another, resulting in the production of a reduced product.
Step-by-step explanation:
- During a reduction reaction, a molecule or ion (the oxidizing agent) accepts electrons from another molecule or ion (the reducing agent). The reducing agent transfers electrons to the oxidizing agent, which causes it to become reduced. At the same time, the reducing agent becomes oxidized as it loses electrons.
For example, in the reaction between copper ions and zinc metal, the copper ions are reduced to copper metal while the zinc metal is oxidized to zinc ions:
Cu2+ + 2e- → Cu (reduction - gaining electrons)
Zn → Zn2+ + 2e- (oxidation - losing electrons)
COUNTER CLAIM:
- Overall, reduction is a process in which electrons are gained, resulting in a decrease in oxidation state, and it is often paired with oxidation, which is a process of losing electrons and an increase in oxidation state. The combination of these two processes is known as a redox reaction.