Question

The process of oxidation involves:
A. The addition of oxygen atoms.
B. The acceptance of electrons.
C. The release of electrons.
D. Neither acceptance nor release of electrons.

Answer 1

Hint: To answer this question, we must understand the oxidation reaction. The term oxidation was originally used to describe reactions during which an element combines with oxygen.

Complete answer:
We should know that most oxidation-reduction (redox) processes involve the transfer of oxygen atoms, hydrogen atoms, or electrons, with all three processes sharing two important characteristics: they always occur in pairs, there is always a net chemical change.
By virtue of their complementary nature, the oxidation and reduction processes together are referred to as redox reactions. The reactant that brings about the oxidation is called the oxidizing agent while the reagent which is itself reduced is called the reducing agent.
Let us now look at some definitions pertaining to oxidation reactions.
1. Oxidation was defined as the loss of hydrogen.
2. Hence, oxidizing agents are those who add oxygen to another substance or remove hydrogen from it.
3. In terms of electron transfer, Oxidation is defined as the loss of electrons.
In the options given above, oxidation reaction definition fits to the addition of oxygen atoms and the release of electrons.

Hence, the correct answer is Option (A) and Option (C).

Note: It is important that we remember these definitions. There is a very easy way to do this. As long as we remember that the definition is electron transfer, we should remember the term OIL RIG: Oxidation Is Loss and Reduction is Gain.