Magnesium atoms change to magnesium ions: Mg → Mg²⁺ + 2e⁻. Which statement is correct?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Magnesium is oxidised because it loses electrons
- Step 1: Oxidation is loss of electrons.
- Step 2: The magnesium atoms lose two electrons each, so they are oxidised.
Answer
Magnesium is oxidised because it loses electrons.
Why not the others: Magnesium is reduced because it loses electrons: reduction is gain of electrons. Magnesium is reduced because it gains electrons: it loses electrons here. Magnesium is oxidised because it gains electrons: oxidation is loss of electrons.
Practise more Chemistry in Society.
Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed National 5 (Scotland) mock tests.
More Chemistry in Society questions
- Zinc is added to copper sulfate solution. What do you expect to observe and why?
- In an electrochemical cell magnesium and copper electrodes are joined by wires. In which direction do electrons flow?
- What is the purpose of an ion bridge in an electrochemical cell?
- Why does zinc coating protect an iron nail from rusting even when the coating is scratched?
- Which two substances are needed for iron to rust?
- Which feature of a monomer allows it to undergo addition polymerisation?