Ans: c) loss of electrons
Chemical reactions can be classified as oxidation and reduction reactions based on the exchange of electrons.
Reactions in which the reactant loses electrons are termed as oxidation reactions. In such reactions, the reactants are usually highly electropositive i.e. they tend to lose electrons easily like the alkali metals eg sodium Na. They are represented as follows:
Na → Na⁺ + e⁻
In contrast, reactions in which the reactant gains electrons are termed as reduction reactions. In such reactions, the reactants are usually highly electronegative i.e. they tend to accept electrons easily like the halogens. eg Fluorine, F. They are represented as follows:
F + e⁻ → F⁻
Thus, Oxidation is a loss of electrons
