Mercury goes from 0 to +2 in the cell. This process is _____ .a.Oxidationb.Reductionc.Neutralizationd.Inversion

Break Down the Problem

1. Identify the process described in the question.
2. Determine the definitions of the options provided: Oxidation, Reduction, Neutralization, and Inversion.

Relevant Concepts

1. Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation state.
2. Reduction refers to the gain of electrons or a decrease in oxidation state.
3. Neutralization typically refers to a reaction between an acid and a base resulting in a neutral product.
4. Inversion doesn’t directly relate to redox processes.

Analysis and Detail

• Mercury starting from 0 and going to +2 indicates that it is increasing its oxidation state by losing electrons. This process aligns with the definition of oxidation, where the species loses electrons.

Verify and Summarize

• The key fact here is that a species advancing from an oxidation state of 0 to +2 is losing electrons. Thus, it indeed fits the definition of oxidation rather than reduction or any of the other options.

Final Answer

The process is a. Oxidation.