Question

Consider the half reaction below.

Upper C u superscript 2 plus (a q) plus 2 e superscript minus right arrow upper C u (s).

Which statement best describes what is taking place?
Copper is being oxidized.
Copper is being reduced.
Copper is losing electrons.
Copper is a reducing agent.

Answer 1

Copper is being reduced.

Reason: Cu^2+ gains two electrons to form Cu(s), so its oxidation state falls from +2 to 0 (gain of electrons = reduction).