Select a statement that best describes the oxidation process. A) In the oxidation process all elements change oxidation state. B) In the oxidation process all elements experience an increase in oxidation state. D) In the oxidation process some elements experience oxidation state increase. E) In the oxidation process only oxygen increases its oxidation state.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: D) In the oxidation process some elements experience oxidation state increase.
Explanation:
Oxidation is a chemical process that involves the loss of electrons by an atom, ion, or molecule. In terms of oxidation states (also called oxidation numbers), oxidation is indicated by an increase in oxidation state. This process does not mean that all elements in a reaction will experience a change in oxidation state—only some elements do, and these are usually the ones losing electrons.
To understand this better, let’s look at a classic redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction:
Zn(s)
+
Cu
2
+
(aq)
→
Zn
2
+
(aq)
+
Cu(s)
Zn(s)+Cu
2+
(aq)→Zn
2+
(aq)+Cu(s)
In this reaction:
Zinc (Zn) starts with an oxidation state of 0 and ends up as Zn²⁺ with an oxidation state of +2. This is oxidation, because its oxidation state increased.
Copper (Cu²⁺) starts at +2 and becomes Cu (0), which means it is reduced.
This example shows that only some elements undergo oxidation or reduction in a redox process—not all.
Let’s now evaluate the choices:
A) Incorrect – Not all elements change oxidation state in oxidation.
B) Incorrect – Only some elements increase in oxidation state, not all.
D) Correct – Yes, oxidation involves some elements experiencing an increase in oxidation state.
E) Incorrect – Oxygen is often involved in oxidation reactions, but it does not always increase its oxidation state. In fact, oxygen is usually reduced in redox reactions (its oxidation state often decreases).
In summary, the best and most accurate statement is D, because oxidation affects only some elements, and it is characterized by an increase in oxidation state of those elements.
