Question

which describes the oxidizing agent in a chemical reaction?
the substance that is oxidized because it loses electrons
the substance that is reduced because it loses electrons
the substance that is oxidized because it gains electrons
the substance that is reduced because it gains electrons

Explanation:

1. Recall the definitions of oxidation and reduction in terms of electrons: Oxidation is the loss of electrons, and reduction is the gain of electrons.
2. An oxidizing agent causes another substance to be oxidized (lose electrons). In the process, the oxidizing agent itself undergoes reduction (gains electrons).
3. Analyze each option:

• Option A: The substance that is oxidized loses electrons, but this is the reducing agent, not the oxidizing agent. Eliminate A.
• Option B: Reduction is gain of electrons, not loss. So this statement is incorrect. Eliminate B.
• Option C: Oxidation is loss of electrons, not gain. This statement is incorrect. Eliminate C.
• Option D: The oxidizing agent is reduced (gains electrons) as it causes another substance to be oxidized. This matches the definition.

Answer:

D. the substance that is reduced because it gains electrons