Chemistry & ProductsQuestion 423 of 484
Which statement about oxidation and reduction in salon chemistry is correct?
a.Oxidation is the gain of electrons; reduction is the loss of electrons
b.Oxidation always requires direct sunlight; reduction always requires heat
c.Oxidation is the loss of electrons (or the addition of oxygen); reduction is the gain of electrons (or the addition of hydrogen)
d.Oxidation and reduction are the same reaction with different names
Explanation
The mnemonic OIL RIG (Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain) of electrons keeps the direction straight. In the salon, oxidation underlies permanent hair color (peroxide oxidizes the dye and the natural melanin), and reduction underlies permanent waves (thioglycolate donates hydrogen to break disulfide bonds). California licensees apply these reactions under product-use and sanitation duties at CCR Title 16 §979.4. Option A reverses the definitions. Option B confuses chemical change with environmental conditions. Option D claims they are identical, when in fact oxidation and reduction are linked but opposite half-reactions in a redox process.
Law Reference: CCR Title 16 §979.4Practice all 484 questions free — no signup required.
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