Which statement defines reduction?

Which statement defines reduction?

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

Answer: (D)

Reduction is the gain of electrons by a species, which lowers its oxidation state. In redox reactions, electrons move from one substance to another; the substance that gains electrons is reduced, while the one that loses electrons is oxidized. This is why reduction is described as increasing electron density or, in many cases, as the removal of oxygen or addition of hydrogen in organic contexts. The other ideas listed correspond to different processes: hydrolysis is reaction with water breaking bonds, ionization is formation of ions, and oxidation is loss of electrons. So the statement that defines reduction is the one that describes gaining electrons (or a decrease in oxidation state).

Reduction is the gain of electrons by a species, which lowers its oxidation state. In redox reactions, electrons move from one substance to another; the substance that gains electrons is reduced, while the one that loses electrons is oxidized. This is why reduction is described as increasing electron density or, in many cases, as the removal of oxygen or addition of hydrogen in organic contexts. The other ideas listed correspond to different processes: hydrolysis is reaction with water breaking bonds, ionization is formation of ions, and oxidation is loss of electrons. So the statement that defines reduction is the one that describes gaining electrons (or a decrease in oxidation state).