What is the term for a chemical reaction in which the oxidizing agent is reduced and the reducing agent is oxidized?

The correct term for a chemical reaction in which the oxidizing agent is reduced and the reducing agent is oxidized is known as a redox reaction. In redox reactions, there are two simultaneous processes occurring: reduction and oxidation. Reduction refers to the gain of electrons by a substance, while oxidation refers to the loss of electrons. The agent that is reduced (the oxidizing agent) undergoes a decrease in oxidation state, while the agent that is oxidized (the reducing agent) experiences an increase in oxidation state. This interplay between oxidation and reduction is fundamental to many chemical and biological processes.

Synthesis, decomposition, and combustion reactions describe different types of chemical changes. Synthesis involves the combination of two or more substances to form a single compound. Decomposition is the breakdown of a compound into two or more simpler substances. Combustion refers to a rapid reaction that typically involves oxygen and produces heat and light, often resulting in products such as carbon dioxide and water when organic materials are burned. These definitions help clarify why the concept of redox specifically encompasses the defined changes in oxidation states through electron transfer.