Test: Oxidation & Reduction - UPSC MCQ

Reduction is the gain of electrons during a chemical reaction.

Oxidation is the loss of electrons during a chemical reaction.

Rusting of iron is an example of oxidation as iron loses electrons to form iron oxide (rust).

An oxidizing agent is the substance that is reduced in a redox reaction.

A reducing agent is the substance that is oxidized in a redox reaction.

All combustion, decomposition, and combination reactions are examples of redox reactions.

Neutralization is not a redox reaction as there is no transfer of electrons.

A catalyst plays a crucial role in a redox reaction by speeding up the reaction without being consumed in the process. It lowers the activation energy, which is the energy needed to start the reaction. Here are some key points about the role of a catalyst in redox reactions:

• A catalyst increases the rate of reaction.
• It provides an alternative pathway for the reaction.
• A catalyst does not undergo permanent changes and can be reused.
• It facilitates the transfer of electrons between reactants.

The substance that gains electrons in a redox reaction is called the oxidizing agent.

The substance that loses electrons in a redox reaction is called the reducing agent.