In the reaction 2Ca(s)+O_(2)(g)... 2CaO(s) calcium (Ca) is __ Reduced Synthesized Oxidized None of the above

In the reaction $2Ca(s)+O_{2}(g)\cdots 2CaO(s)$, calcium (Ca) is oxidized.<br /><br />Oxidation refers to the process in which an atom, ion, or molecule loses electrons. In this reaction, calcium (Ca) loses electrons and forms calcium oxide (CaO). The oxygen in $O_{2}$ gains electrons and is reduced to form calcium oxide (CaO). Therefore, calcium (Ca) is oxidized in this reaction.