The best phrase that defines a redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction is:
B. a reaction in which electrons are transferred between different atoms
Additionally, it's important to note that in a redox reaction, one species gets reduced (gains electrons) while another gets oxidized (loses electrons), which is captured in option B.
The other options do not accurately capture the definition of a redox reaction: A. is incorrect because redox reactions involve electron transfer. C. is misleading; although electrons can be released during oxidation, it does not encompass the full definition of a redox reaction. D. does not correctly describe a redox reaction as it doesn't specify the transfer of electrons between atoms, which is essential.
Therefore, the only correct answer is B.