Answer to Question #53709 in Inorganic Chemistry for manisha

Question

what is meant by oxidising agent and reducing agent ?explain with an example.

Answer 1

An oxidizing agent is a compound that gains electrons in a redox reaction, so oxidizing agent is reduced. The element in the oxidizing agent is in one of its higher oxidation states so it could gain electrons. Examples of oxidizing agents are KMnO4, NaNO3, and HNO3.
An element in reducing agent loses electrons in a chemical reaction, and it normally is in one of its lower oxidation states. So, reducing agent loses electrons and is oxidized in the redox reaction. Examples of reducing agents are the earth metals, H2, and CO.