Question

What happens to the referenced oxidation number when the element with which it is associated

has been reduced?

Answer 1

decrease

Step-by-step explanation:

Reduction happens when an element gains electrons; in this case, its oxidation number is lowered. For example, when iron rusts, oxygen can behave as an oxidizing agent. As the oxygen gains electrons, it changes from an oxidation number of zero to an oxidation number of negative two