Question

question 6 of 10
what does it mean for an element to be oxidized?

a. the element is a spectator ion in a chemical reaction.

b. the element has bonded to another element with opposite charge.

c. the element has lost one or more electrons in a reaction.

d. the element has gained one or more electrons in a reaction.

Explanation:

Oxidation is defined as the loss of electrons by an element in a chemical reaction. Spectator ions (A) do not participate in reactions; bonding with opposite charges (B) describes ionic bonding, not oxidation; gaining electrons (D) is reduction. Only option C matches the definition of oxidation.

Answer:

C. The element has lost one or more electrons in a reaction.