In redox chemistry, which statement is correct for LEO and GER?

In redox chemistry, which statement is correct for LEO and GER?

• A. Gain of Electrons is Oxidation; Loss of Electrons is Reduction
• B. Loss of Electrons is Oxidation; Gain of Electrons is Reduction
• C. Oxidation is Gain of Protons; Reduction is Loss of Electrons
• D. Oxidation Numbers Do Not Change During Redox

Answer: (B)

Redox chemistry centers on electron transfer. LEO and GER give a simple rule: Loss of Electrons is Oxidation; Gain of Electrons is Reduction. When a species loses electrons, its oxidation state goes up, so it is oxidized. When a species gains electrons, its oxidation state goes down, so it is reduced. The statement that directly captures this relationship is the correct one. The other ideas either mix up what’s being transferred (electrons, not protons) or claim oxidation numbers don’t change, which isn’t true in a redox process.

Redox chemistry centers on electron transfer. LEO and GER give a simple rule: Loss of Electrons is Oxidation; Gain of Electrons is Reduction. When a species loses electrons, its oxidation state goes up, so it is oxidized. When a species gains electrons, its oxidation state goes down, so it is reduced. The statement that directly captures this relationship is the correct one. The other ideas either mix up what’s being transferred (electrons, not protons) or claim oxidation numbers don’t change, which isn’t true in a redox process.