Why must the number of electrons lost equal the number of electrons gained in every redox reaction?

This is dictated by the law of conservation of energy even in reactions. NO energy can be destroyed or created. For an atom to gain electrons, another must have lost the electrons, and vice versa. Additionally, reactions need to be in equilibrium between both products and reactants

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BarrettArcher BarrettArcher · Answer 2 · 2019-05-14T14:13:14+02:00

Answer : The number of electrons lost equal to the number of electrons gained in every redox reaction due to maintain the electron neutrality.

Explanation :

Redox reaction is also known as oxidation-reduction reaction in which oxidation and reduction reaction occur simultaneously.

Oxidation reaction is the reaction in which a substance looses its electrons. In this oxidation state increases.
Reduction reaction is the reaction in which a substance gains electrons. In this oxidation state decreases.

Electron neutrality : It is defined as the all atoms are electrically neutral that means they have the same number of positive and negative charges.

For example :

[tex]C(s)+H_2O(g)\rightarrow CO(g)+H_2(g)[/tex]

Oxidation half reaction: [tex]C(s)\rightarrow C^{2+}+2e^-[/tex]

Reduction half reaction: [tex]2H^++2e^-\rightarrow H_2[/tex]

Therefore, the number of electrons lost equal to the number of electrons gained in every redox reaction due to maintain the electron neutrality.