The Chemical reactions in which oxidation and reduction takes place simultaneously are called as:

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is (3): Redox reaction

A redox reaction is a type of chemical reaction where both oxidation and reduction processes occur simultaneously. The term "redox" is a portmanteau of "reduction" and "oxidation." Oxidation is defined as the loss of electrons by a molecule, atom, or ion, which results in an increase in its oxidation state. Conversely, reduction is the gain of electrons, leading to a decrease in its oxidation state. These two processes are always coupled because electrons cannot exist freely in a chemical system; if one species loses electrons (gets oxidized), another species must gain those electrons (get reduced). For example, in the reaction $\mathrm{2Na(s) + Cl_2(g) \rightarrow 2NaCl(s)}$, sodium (Na) is oxidized as it loses electrons to form $\mathrm{Na^+}$, and chlorine ($\mathrm{Cl_2}$) is reduced as it gains electrons to form $\mathrm{Cl^-}$.

The incorrect option is (1): Addition reaction
An addition reaction involves two or more reactants combining to form a single, larger product, typically seen with unsaturated compounds. While an addition reaction can sometimes be a redox reaction, it is not the defining characteristic that both oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously.

The incorrect option is (2): Double displacement reaction
A double displacement reaction involves the exchange of ions between two compounds, often forming a precipitate, gas, or water. In most double displacement reactions, the oxidation states of the participating ions do not change, meaning no true oxidation or reduction occurs.

The incorrect option is (4): None of the above
Since "Redox reaction" correctly describes a chemical reaction where oxidation and reduction take place simultaneously, this option is incorrect.