Indicate whether each of the following statements is true or false: (a) If something is reduced, it is formally losing electrons. (b) A reducing agent gets oxidized as it reacts.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of reduction. Reduction is a chemical reaction that involves the gain of electrons by a molecule, atom, or ion. Therefore, if something is reduced, it is gaining electrons, not losing them.
2. Step 2: Analyze statement (a). The statement claims that if something is reduced, it is losing electrons. Based on the definition of reduction, this statement is false because reduction involves gaining electrons.
3. Step 3: Understand the concept of a reducing agent. A reducing agent is a substance that donates electrons to another substance, causing the other substance to be reduced. In the process, the reducing agent itself gets oxidized.
4. Step 4: Analyze statement (b). The statement claims that a reducing agent gets oxidized as it reacts. This is true because, by definition, a reducing agent loses electrons and is oxidized while reducing another substance.
5. Step 5: Summarize the analysis. Statement (a) is false because reduction involves gaining electrons, not losing them. Statement (b) is true because a reducing agent is oxidized as it donates electrons to another substance.