Question

select the correct answer. when an atom in a reactant gains 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 increases by one. e. its oxidation number stays the same.

Explanation:

Oxidation number is related to the loss or gain of electrons. Gaining electrons is reduction. Each electron has a negative charge, so when an atom gains electrons, its oxidation number decreases.

Answer:

A. Its oxidation number decreases.