Question

When an atom in a reactant loses electrons, what happens to its oxidation number?

A. Its oxidation number decreases
B. Its oxidation number doubles.
C.Its oxidation number increases.
D.Its oxidation number increases by one.
E. Its oxidation number stays the same.

Answer 1

It would be e because 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.