Given the equation representing a reaction: sn4+(aq) + 2e− → sn2+(aq) which term best describes this reaction?

Answer is: this is reduction.
Reduction half reaction: Sn⁴⁺(aq) + 2e⁻ → Sn²⁺(aq).
Reduction is lowering of oxidation number because ions or element gain electrons and oxidation number is decreased (in this example from +4 to +2).
In oxido-reduction reaction, at least one element lose and one element gain electrons.
Oxidation reaction is increasing of oxidation number of atom, because element lost electrons in chemical reaction.

Reduction term  describes this reaction

Sn⁴⁺(aq) + 2e⁻ ⇒ Sn²⁺(aq)

Further explanation

Reduction oxidation reaction is a chemical reaction in which there are changes in oxidation numbers

The general formula for determining oxidation numbers:

1. Single element atomic oxidation = 0. For example Ar, Mg, Cu, Fe, N₂, O₂, etc. = 0

Group IA (Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, and Fr) +1

Group IIA (Be, Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba) +2

H atoms in compounds = +1, except metal hydride compounds (Hydrogens that bind to groups IA or IIA) oxidation numbers H = -1, for example LiH, MgH₂, etc.

2. O atoms in compounds = -2, except OF2 = + 2 and at peroxide (Na₂O₂, BaO₂) = -1 and superoxide, for example KO₂ = -1/2. 3. The oxidation number in the uncharged compound = 0,

we complete the answer choices

Which term best describes this reaction?

(1) ionization (3) oxidation

(2) neutralization (4) reduction

On reaction

Sn⁴⁺(aq) + 2e⁻ ⇒ Sn²⁺(aq)

the Sn atom experiences an reduction reaction (decrease in oxidation number) from 4+ to 2+

Learn more

an oxidation-reduction reaction

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a reducing agent during a redox reaction

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loses electrons in a chemical reaction

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Keywords: reduction, oxidation

They can measure  the amount of energy gained or lost

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