Electron gain; associated with a decrease in oxidation number.

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Multiple Choice

Electron gain; associated with a decrease in oxidation number.

Explanation:
In redox chemistry, gaining electrons lowers the oxidation number, so that process is reduction. When a species accepts electrons, its oxidation state decreases (for example, Fe3+ + e− → Fe2+ goes from +3 to +2). Oxidation, by contrast, is the loss of electrons and an increase in oxidation number. In electrochemical contexts, the cathode is where reduction occurs (electrons flow into the species), while the anode is where oxidation happens. So, electron gain associated with a decrease in oxidation number is reduction.

In redox chemistry, gaining electrons lowers the oxidation number, so that process is reduction. When a species accepts electrons, its oxidation state decreases (for example, Fe3+ + e− → Fe2+ goes from +3 to +2). Oxidation, by contrast, is the loss of electrons and an increase in oxidation number. In electrochemical contexts, the cathode is where reduction occurs (electrons flow into the species), while the anode is where oxidation happens. So, electron gain associated with a decrease in oxidation number is reduction.

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