Question

select the correct answer.
which substance in this redox reaction is the oxidizing agent?
cu + 2agno₃ → 2ag + cu(no₃)₂
a. n
b. agno₃
c. cu
d. no₃⁻
e. cu(no₃)₂

Explanation:

To determine the oxidizing agent, we analyze the oxidation states. In \( \text{AgNO}_3 \), Ag has an oxidation state of +1. In the product Ag (elemental), its oxidation state is 0, so Ag is reduced (gain of electrons). The substance that causes another substance to be oxidized (and is itself reduced) is the oxidizing agent. \( \text{AgNO}_3 \) provides the Ag that is reduced, so it is the oxidizing agent. Cu is oxidized (loses electrons, oxidation state of Cu goes from 0 to +2 in \( \text{Cu(NO}_3\text{)}_2 \)), so it is the reducing agent. \( \text{NO}_3^- \) has no change in oxidation state, N in \( \text{AgNO}_3 \) and \( \text{Cu(NO}_3\text{)}_2 \) remains +5, so it's not involved in redox. \( \text{Cu(NO}_3\text{)}_2 \) is a product, not the oxidizing agent.

Answer:

B. \( \text{AgNO}_3 \)