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When an atom in a reactant loses electrons, what happens to its oxidation number?



A) its oxidation number decreases


B) its oxidation number doubles


C) its oxidation number increases


D) its oxidation number stays the same

Respuesta :

remember it this way LEO GER
Lose Electron Oxidation 
Gain Electron Reduced 
when you lose electrons, you get oxidized and your electrons reduced so the charge goes up, the answer is 

Answer: C) its oxidation number increases

Explanation:

Oxidation-reduction reaction or redox reaction is defined as the reaction in which oxidation and reduction reactions occur simultaneously.

Oxidation reaction is defined as the reaction in which a substance looses its electrons. The oxidation state of the substance increases.

[tex]M\rightarrow M^{n+}+ne^-[/tex]

Reduction reaction is defined as the reaction in which a substance gains electrons. The oxidation state of the substance gets reduced.

[tex]M^{n+}+ne^-\rightarrow M[/tex]

Hence, the correct answer is C) its oxidation number increases.