which best describes the reducing agent in the reaction below? cl₂(aq) + 2br⁻(aq) → 2cl⁻(aq) + br₂(aq)\no…

Brief Explanations:

A reducing agent is oxidized in a redox - reaction, which means it loses electrons. In the reaction $\mathrm{Cl}{2}(aq)+2\mathrm{Br}^{-}(aq)\longrightarrow2\mathrm{Cl}^{-}(aq)+\mathrm{Br}{2}(aq)$, bromine goes from $\mathrm{Br}^{-}$ (oxidation state - 1) to $\mathrm{Br}{2}$ (oxidation state 0), indicating it loses electrons. Chlorine goes from $\mathrm{Cl}{2}$ (oxidation state 0) to $\mathrm{Cl}^{-}$ (oxidation state - 1), indicating it gains electrons. So, bromine is the reducing agent as it loses an electron.

Answer:

Bromine (Br) loses an electron, so it is the reducing agent.