Which process involves gaining electrons?

The process that involves gaining electrons is known as reduction. In the context of chemical reactions, reduction refers to a decrease in oxidation state, which occurs when an atom, ion, or molecule gains electrons. This process often accompanies oxidation, which involves the loss of electrons. Together, these two processes are integral to redox reactions, where one species is oxidized while another is reduced.

In reduction, the species that gains electrons becomes more negatively charged or less positively charged, leading to a more stable electronic configuration. For instance, when a metal ion gains electrons to form a neutral metal atom, it is being reduced. Understanding reduction is crucial in various applications, such as battery chemistry, electrochemistry, and metabolic pathways in biology.

The other processes mentioned, like oxidation, involve losing electrons or represent changes in the composition of substances but do not specifically pertain to the gaining of electrons. Decomposition refers to breaking down a compound into simpler substances, while synthesis involves combining simpler substances to form a more complex compound. These reactions do not inherently involve the transfer of electrons in the same way that reduction does.