Question

Formation of zinc sulphide is an example of ___________

(a) reduction

(b) oxidation

(c) removal of oxygen

(d) addition of hydrogen

The question was posed to me in an international level competition.

My question is taken from Classical Idea of Redox Reactions-Oxidation and Reduction Reactions topic in division Redox Reactions of Chemistry – Class 11

Answer 1

Correct option is (b) oxidation

To explain I would say: Addition of electronegative element or removal of any other electropositive element is also considered as a process that involves oxidation. Here, sulphur is an electronegative element. So the formation of zinc sulphide is an Oxidation reaction.