During an oxidation process in an oxidation-reduction reaction, does the species oxidized gain or lose electrons? Select the single best answer.

In an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction, the species that is oxidized loses electrons. Oxidation is defined as the process through which a substance loses electrons, resulting in an increase in its oxidation state. Conversely, the species that is reduced gains those electrons, leading to a decrease in its oxidation state.

This electron transfer is fundamental to redox reactions, as these reactions are fundamentally about the movement of electrons between chemical species. The oxidized species becomes more positively charged or less negatively charged due to the loss of electrons, while the reduced species becomes more negatively charged or less positively charged due to the gain of electrons.

Final Answer

The species oxidized loses electrons.