Final answer:
A chemical reaction where atoms lose electrons is called oxidation. This is a key aspect of redox reactions, which also involve reduction, the gain of electrons. The correct answer to the question is A) oxidation.
Step-by-step explanation:
A chemical reaction in which atoms lose electrons is known as oxidation. This process is part of oxidation-reduction (or redox) reactions, where there is a transfer of electrons between atoms. In these reactions, one species is oxidized by losing electrons and another species is reduced by gaining electrons. Understanding these concepts is essential because most chemical reactions in biological systems, including important processes like photosynthesis and digestion, involve redox reactions.
In the context of this question, the correct answer is A) oxidation, as this term specifically refers to the loss of electrons. On the contrary, reduction refers to the gain of electrons. Oxidation and reduction always occur simultaneously, as part of a redox reaction.