In the MnO4- half-reaction MnO4- gains electrons. Which species is reduced in this half-reaction?

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Multiple Choice

In the MnO4- half-reaction MnO4- gains electrons. Which species is reduced in this half-reaction?

Explanation:
In a redox half-reaction, reduction means gaining electrons, which lowers the oxidation state of the element involved. Here, the permanganate ion (MnO4-) is the species that gains electrons, so it is the one being reduced. Its manganese center drops from a high oxidation state (+7) to a lower state (commonly +2 in acidic solution, or +4 to MnO2 in basic conditions). The other species listed don’t gain electrons in this half-reaction; they may participate as protons, water, or hydroxide to balance the equation, but the actual reduction is occurring on MnO4-.

In a redox half-reaction, reduction means gaining electrons, which lowers the oxidation state of the element involved. Here, the permanganate ion (MnO4-) is the species that gains electrons, so it is the one being reduced. Its manganese center drops from a high oxidation state (+7) to a lower state (commonly +2 in acidic solution, or +4 to MnO2 in basic conditions). The other species listed don’t gain electrons in this half-reaction; they may participate as protons, water, or hydroxide to balance the equation, but the actual reduction is occurring on MnO4-.

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