Why do oxidation and reduction occur together in a redox reaction?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: What one substance loses another substance gains
The governing concept is electron transfer in a redox reaction. When one substance loses electrons, it is oxidised; those electrons cannot disappear, so another substance accepts them and is reduced. The same linked transfer can also be described through oxygen gain and loss. Therefore oxidation and reduction necessarily occur together, making option A correct; the other choices describe neither the defining mechanism nor a necessary condition.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
What one substance loses another substance gains
Why is this the correct answer?
The governing concept is electron transfer in a redox reaction. When one substance loses electrons, it is oxidised; those electrons cannot disappear, so another substance accepts them and is reduced. The same linked transfer can also be described through oxygen gain and loss. Therefore oxidation and reduction necessarily occur together, making option A correct; the other choices describe neither the defining mechanism nor a necessary condition.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Chemical Reactions and Equations.