which best describes the reducing agent in the reaction below? cl₂(aq) + 2br⁻(aq) → 2cl⁻(aq) + br₂(aq)\n○…

which best describes the reducing agent in the reaction below? cl₂(aq) + 2br⁻(aq) → 2cl⁻(aq) + br₂(aq)\n○ bromine (br) loses an electron, so it is the reducing agent.\n○ bromine (br) gains an electron, so it is the reducing agent.\n○ chlorine (cl) loses an electron, so it is the reducing agent.\n○ chlorine (cl) gains an electron, so it is the reducing agent.

which best describes the reducing agent in the reaction below? cl₂(aq) + 2br⁻(aq) → 2cl⁻(aq) + br₂(aq)\n○ bromine (br) loses an electron, so it is the reducing agent.\n○ bromine (br) gains an electron, so it is the reducing agent.\n○ chlorine (cl) loses an electron, so it is the reducing agent.\n○ chlorine (cl) gains an electron, so it is the reducing agent.

Answer

Answer:

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

Explanation:

Step1: Define reducing agent

A reducing agent is a substance that donates electrons and gets oxidized.

Step2: Analyze oxidation - states

In the reactant $2Br^-(aq)$, the oxidation - state of bromine is - 1. In the product $Br_2(aq)$, the oxidation - state of bromine is 0. Bromine goes from an oxidation - state of - 1 to 0, which means it loses an electron (oxidation).

Step3: Analyze chlorine

In the reactant $Cl_2(aq)$, the oxidation - state of chlorine is 0. In the product $2Cl^-(aq)$, the oxidation - state of chlorine is - 1. Chlorine gains an electron (reduction). So, bromine is the reducing agent as it loses an electron.