Portage Learning
1. Which of the following is the correct definition of oxidation in terms of
electron transfer?
A) Gain of electrons
B) Loss of electrons
C) Gain of protons
D) Loss of protons
Correct Answer: Loss of electrons
Rationale: Oxidation is defined as the loss of electrons from a species.
Reduction is the gain of electrons. The mnemonic "OIL RIG" (Oxidation Is
Loss, Reduction Is Gain) helps remember this. Oxidation also involves an
increase in oxidation state.
2. Which of the following is the correct definition of reduction in terms of
electron transfer?
A) Gain of electrons
B) Loss of electrons
C) Gain of protons
D) Loss of protons
Correct Answer: Gain of electrons
Rationale: Reduction is defined as the gain of electrons by a species.
Oxidation is the loss of electrons. Reduction also involves a decrease in
oxidation state. The terms are always paired in redox reactions.
,3. In the reaction Zn(s) + Cu²⁺(aq) → Zn²⁺(aq) + Cu(s), which species is
oxidized?
A) Zn(s)
B) Cu²⁺(aq)
C) Zn²⁺(aq)
D) Cu(s)
Correct Answer: Zn(s)
Rationale: Zn(s) loses two electrons to become Zn²⁺, so it is oxidized (loss of
electrons). Cu²⁺ gains two electrons to become Cu(s), so it is reduced. This is
a classic example of a spontaneous redox reaction.
4. In the reaction Zn(s) + Cu²⁺(aq) → Zn²⁺(aq) + Cu(s), which species is
reduced?
A) Zn(s)
B) Cu²⁺(aq)
C) Zn²⁺(aq)
D) Cu(s)
Correct Answer: Cu²⁺(aq)
Rationale: Cu²⁺ gains two electrons to become Cu(s), so it is reduced (gain of
electrons). Zn(s) loses electrons and is oxidized. Reduction always occurs at
the cathode in an electrochemical cell.
5. In an electrochemical cell, oxidation occurs at the:
A) Anode
, B) Cathode
C) Salt bridge
D) Electrolyte
Correct Answer: Anode
Rationale: Oxidation always occurs at the anode (loss of electrons).
Reduction always occurs at the cathode (gain of electrons). The mnemonic
"AN OX" (Anode Oxidation) and "RED CAT" (Reduction Cathode) can help
remember this.
6. In an electrochemical cell, reduction occurs at the:
A) Anode
B) Cathode
C) Salt bridge
D) Electrolyte
Correct Answer: Cathode
Rationale: Reduction always occurs at the cathode (gain of electrons).
Oxidation always occurs at the anode. The mnemonic "RED CAT" (Reduction
Cathode) helps remember this.
7. A galvanic (voltaic) cell is characterized by:
A) A nonspontaneous reaction that requires external energy
B) A spontaneous reaction that produces electrical energy
C) An electrolytic process
D) A reaction that occurs only at high temperatures