In a redox reaction, which particle is transferred between species?

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Multiple Choice

In a redox reaction, which particle is transferred between species?

In a redox reaction, the particle that moves between species is the electron. Oxidation involves loss of electrons, while reduction involves gain of electrons, so the key event is electron transfer from the donor (reducing agent) to the acceptor (oxidizing agent). For example, zinc metal is oxidized as it loses electrons to become Zn2+, while copper ions gain those electrons to become copper metal. Protons are transferred in acid–base chemistry, not in redox, and neutrons or photons are not the particles being transferred between chemical species in a typical redox process (photons may drive electron transfer by supplying energy, but the actual transferred particle is the electron).

In a redox reaction, the particle that moves between species is the electron. Oxidation involves loss of electrons, while reduction involves gain of electrons, so the key event is electron transfer from the donor (reducing agent) to the acceptor (oxidizing agent). For example, zinc metal is oxidized as it loses electrons to become Zn2+, while copper ions gain those electrons to become copper metal. Protons are transferred in acid–base chemistry, not in redox, and neutrons or photons are not the particles being transferred between chemical species in a typical redox process (photons may drive electron transfer by supplying energy, but the actual transferred particle is the electron).

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