Question

Question 3(Multiple Choice Worth 4 points)

(04.04 LC)

What does it mean when an element is reduced?

It empties a valance shell, reducing its atomic radius.
It gains electrons, reducing its overall charge.
It increases electronegativity, reducing its ability to bond.
It loses electrons, reducing its electron number.

Answer 1

It gains electrons, reducing its overall charge

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

It gains electrons, reducing its overall charge

Step-by-step explanation:

When an ion of element gains electrons its overall charge decreases, thus the it reduced.

Consider the half equation involving Iron (III) ions.

Fe³⁺+ e⁻ → Fe²⁺

In this equation, the iron III ion has gained an electron changing then to iron II ions. The charge has thus decreased from 3+ to 2+.

This is a reduction reaction.