Question

Which of the following is true about a redox reaction?
In a redox reaction, the reducing agent loses electrons.
In a redox reaction, the oxidizing agent loses electrons.
In a redox reaction, the oxidized species gains electrons.
In a redox reaction, the reduced species loses electrons.

Answer 1

Only the first statement is true.

- True: The reducing agent loses electrons (it is oxidized while causing another species to be reduced).
- False: The oxidizing agent loses electrons — no, it gains electrons (it is reduced).
- False: The oxidized species gains electrons — no, an oxidized species loses electrons.
- False: The reduced species loses electrons — no, a reduced species gains electrons.