Which process involves the gain of electrons?

Which process involves the gain of electrons?

• A. Dissociation
• B. Reduction
• C. Ionization
• D. Oxidation

Answer: (B)

Gaining electrons is called reduction. In redox chemistry, reduction means the species becomes more electron-rich and its oxidation state goes down as it accepts electrons. This is why a species like Cu2+ can be reduced to copper metal by accepting two electrons: Cu2+ + 2 e− → Cu(s). Other processes don’t involve adding electrons: ionization is the removal of electrons (giving a positively charged ion), and dissociation is the separation of a compound into smaller pieces. Oxidation is the opposite of reduction—the loss of electrons, which raises the oxidation state.

Gaining electrons is called reduction. In redox chemistry, reduction means the species becomes more electron-rich and its oxidation state goes down as it accepts electrons. This is why a species like Cu2+ can be reduced to copper metal by accepting two electrons: Cu2+ + 2 e− → Cu(s). Other processes don’t involve adding electrons: ionization is the removal of electrons (giving a positively charged ion), and dissociation is the separation of a compound into smaller pieces. Oxidation is the opposite of reduction—the loss of electrons, which raises the oxidation state.