Question
Which option describes a situation in which reduction occurs?(1 point) Responses Cl2 becoming Cl– Cl 2 becoming Cl – S2– becoming S S 2– becoming S Al becoming Al3+ Al becoming Al 3+ Xe2+ becoming Xe6+
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Reduction is defined as the gain of electrons by an atom or ion. Based on the options provided:
1. **Cl2 becoming Cl–**: This indicates that Cl2 (which is neutral) is being reduced to Cl– (which has gained electrons).
2. **S2– becoming S**: This indicates that S2– (which has gained electrons) is oxidized back to neutral sulfur (S) by losing electrons, so it is not a reduction.
3. **Al becoming Al3+**: This indicates that aluminum (Al) is losing electrons to become Al3+, meaning this is an oxidation process, not reduction.
4. **Xe2+ becoming Xe6+**: This indicates that xenon (Xe) is gaining oxidation state, which involves losing electrons (oxidation), so this is not a reduction either.
From the options, the correct answer indicating a reduction process is:
**Cl2 becoming Cl–**.
1. **Cl2 becoming Cl–**: This indicates that Cl2 (which is neutral) is being reduced to Cl– (which has gained electrons).
2. **S2– becoming S**: This indicates that S2– (which has gained electrons) is oxidized back to neutral sulfur (S) by losing electrons, so it is not a reduction.
3. **Al becoming Al3+**: This indicates that aluminum (Al) is losing electrons to become Al3+, meaning this is an oxidation process, not reduction.
4. **Xe2+ becoming Xe6+**: This indicates that xenon (Xe) is gaining oxidation state, which involves losing electrons (oxidation), so this is not a reduction either.
From the options, the correct answer indicating a reduction process is:
**Cl2 becoming Cl–**.