Which of the following statements regarding oxidation and reduction are correct? 1. In oxidation, loss of electron takes place whereas in reduction, gain of electron takes place. 2. In oxidation, gain of electron takes place whereas in reduction, loss of electron takes place. 3. Oxidizing agent decreases the oxidation number but reducing agent increases the oxidation number. 4. Oxidizing agent increases the oxidation number but reducing agent reduces the oxidation number. Select the correct answer using the code given below ; Code:

The correct answer is Option 4 (Statements 1 and 4). This aligns with the fundamental electronic theory of chemistry and the concept of oxidation states.

• Statement 1 is correct: Oxidation is defined as the process involving the loss of electrons (OIL: Oxidation Is Loss), while reduction involves the gain of electrons (RIG: Reduction Is Gain). Consequently, Statement 2 is incorrect as it reverses these definitions.
• Statement 4 is correct: An oxidizing agent facilitates oxidation in another substance by accepting electrons, thereby increasing the oxidation number of that substance. Conversely, a reducing agent donates electrons, which reduces (decreases) the oxidation number of the substance it acts upon. Statement 3 is incorrect because it incorrectly attributes the change in oxidation numbers to the agents themselves rather than their effect on the substrate.

Thus, the combination of Statements 1 and 4 accurately describes the electron transfer process and the resulting changes in oxidation states.