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Define oxidising and reducing agents by giving suitable example. |
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Answer» Oxidizing agent: An oxidizing agent is an element that gains electrons. Since the oxidizing agent means to gain electrons; it is said to have been reduced. The element which undergoes reduction (gets reduced) is called oxidizing agent. For example: 2Mg + O2→ 2MgO In the given reaction, O2 is reduced by losing oxygen atoms. Thus, O2 is an oxidizing agent as it undergoes reduction. Reducing agent: A reducing agent is an element that loses electrons. The reducing agent means to lose electrons; it is said to have been oxidized. The element which undergoes oxidation (gets oxidized) is called reducing agent. For example: 4NH3 + 5O2→ 4NO + 6H2O In the given reaction, nitrogen is oxidized to NO by gaining oxygen atom. Thus, NH3 is reducing agent as it undergoes oxidation. |
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