Question

Loss of an electron is called:
A. reduction
B. oxidation
C. A or B
D. none of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Reduction can be described in following ways:
1. Gain of electrons.
2. Loss of oxygen atom (O).
3. Gain of hydrogen atom (H).
Oxidation can be described in following ways:
1. Loss of electron.
2. Gain of oxygen (O).
3. Loss of hydrogen (H).

Complete step-by-step answer:
Oxidation is the loss of electrons during a reaction by a molecule, atom or ion. Oxidation occurs when the oxidation state of a molecule, atom or ion is increased because that species loses electrons.
Reduction is the part of a chemical reaction that involves the gaining of electrons by one of the atoms involved in the reaction between two chemicals. The term refers to the element that accepts electrons, because the oxidation state of the element that gains electrons is lowered.
Hence, the correct answer is that oxidation is loss of electrons which is option B.

Note: An oxidizing agent, or oxidant gains electrons and is reduced in a chemical reaction. Also known as the electron acceptor, the oxidizing agent is generally in one of its higher possible oxidation states because it will gain electrons and be reduced to lower oxidation states. For example halogens, nitric acid etc. are oxidizing agents.
On the other hand, reducing agent, or reductant, loses electrons and is oxidized in a chemical reaction. A reducing agent is in one of its lower possible oxidation states, and is known as the electron donor. It is oxidized because it loses electrons in the redox reaction. For example earth metals, sulfite compounds, etc. are reducing agents.