A reaction in which one reactant is reduced while it oxidizes the other is called?

• A. Redox Reaction
• B. Precipitation
• C. Acid-base reaction
• D. Combustion

Answer: (A)

In redox reactions, electrons are transferred between species, causing changes in oxidation states. The substance that loses electrons is oxidized, and the substance that gains electrons is reduced. Because both processes occur together in the same reaction, one reactant is oxidized while the other is reduced. This is exactly what the description captures. For example, in a reaction where zinc metal reacts with copper(II) ions, zinc loses electrons and is oxidized, while copper(II) ions gain electrons and are reduced, illustrating a redox process. Precipitation describes solid formation, acid-base involves proton transfer, and combustion is a rapid oxidation with heat and light; while combustion is a redox reaction, the situation described aligns with the general redox concept.