Answer to Question #252660 in General Chemistry for anonymous

Question

Element X is a Metal which undergoes Oxidation. During this process

Answer 1

The metal reacts with the oxygen in air to form a metal oxide. The metal transfers electrons to the neutral oxygen atoms of an oxygen molecule therefore it acquires a positive charge. On the other hand the oxygen atoms acquire a negative charge and form oxide ions O^2-. Since the metal has lost electrons to oxygen it has been oxidized and because the oxygen atoms have gained electrons they have been reduced. For every oxidation there must be an associated reduction. This reaction is called an oxidation-reduction reaction also known as redox reaction.