In the Oxidation-Reduction Reaction Mg(s)+ Cu²⁺ (Aq)→ 3 Mg²⁺ (Aq)

Multiple Choice

In the oxidation-reduction reaction Mg(s) + Cu²⁺ (aq) → 3 Mg²⁺ (aq) + Cu(s) , which atom or ion is reduced? Which atom or ion is oxidized?

A) The Cu²⁺ ion is oxidized as it gains electrons from the copper metal, Cu. The magnesium metal, Mg, is reduced as it loses electrons to form Mg²⁺.
B) The Mg²⁺ ion is reduced as it gains electrons from the copper metal, Cu. The Cu²⁺ is oxidized as it loses electrons to the Mg²⁺.
C) The Cu²⁺ ion is reduced as it gains electrons to form copper metal, Cu. The magnesium metal, Mg, is oxidized as it loses electrons to form Mg²⁺.
D) Since Mg goes from a solid to an aqueous solution and Cu goes from an aqueous solution to a solid, an oxidation-reduction reaction did not occur.