Which of the following statements correctly describes oxidation in terms of electron transfer?
AGain of electrons by an atom or ion
BLoss of electrons by an atom or ionCORRECT
CGain of protons by an atom or ion
DLoss of protons by an atom or ion
GCEChemistryRedox and Electrochemistry2024
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Why the answer is B, and why the others tempt you.
Oxidation is defined as the loss of electrons by an atom, ion, or molecule. This can be remembered using the mnemonic OIL RIG: Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain. Options A describes reduction, while C and D involve protons, which are not relevant to the electron-transfer definition of redox.
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