What is the key characteristic of an oxidation–reduction reaction?

A.
Electricity is gained.
B.
Electricity is lost.
C.
Electrons are exchanged.
D.
Electrons are gained.
E.
Electrons are lost.

1 answer

The key characteristic of an oxidation–reduction (redox) reaction is:

C. Electrons are exchanged.

In a redox reaction, one substance loses electrons (oxidation) while another gains electrons (reduction), leading to the overall exchange of electrons between the reacting species.