If an Oxidation Reaction Occurs

Question

If an oxidation reaction occurs
A) simultaneous reduction of a different compound will also occur, because electrons do not generally exist alone in solution.
B) another oxidation reaction will occur for a complete reaction, because one oxidation event is considered a half reaction.
C) a cell is undergoing aerobic respiration, because oxygen is being used.
D) a reduction reaction would not occur, because they are opposite reaction mechanisms.

Accepted Answer

According to the principle of conservation of charge, electrons cannot exist alone in solution. Therefore, if oxidation occurs, there must be a simultaneous reduction of a different compound to balance the electron transfer. This is why oxidation and reduction reactions are always paired and referred to as redox reactions.

Answer: B
 One oxidation event is considered a half reaction since it only involves the loss of electrons. A complete redox reaction consists of both an oxidation half-reaction (where electrons are lost) and a reduction half-reaction (where electrons are gained).

Answer: C
 Just because an oxidation reaction occurs does not necessarily mean that aerobic respiration is occurring. It is possible for oxidation to occur through other mechanisms that do not involve the use of oxygen.

Answer: D
 While oxidation and reduction are opposite reaction mechanisms, they always occur together in redox reactions. So, if an oxidation reaction occurs, a reduction reaction must also occur to balance the transfer of electrons.