3. Identify the oxidizing agent in each of the fol-

lowing reactions.

a) Cu2 + (aq) + Mg (s) + Cu (s) + Mg2 + (aq)

b) Fe, O3 (s) + 3CO (g) → 2Fe (1) + 3CO, (g)

Cu

Fe

Explanation:

Oxidizing agents:

Oxidizing agents oxidize the other elements and itself gets reduced.

Reducing agents:

Reducing agents reduced the other element are it self gets oxidized.

Oxidation:

Oxidation involve the removal of electrons and oxidation state of atom of an element is increased.

Reduction:

Reduction involve the gain of electron and oxidation number is decreased.

a) Cu²⁺ (aq) + Mg (s) + Cu (s) + Mg²⁺ (aq)

Copper is oxidizing agent it accept two electrons from magnesium and oxidize the Mg and itself get reduced.

b) Fe₂O₃ (s) + 3CO (g) → 2Fe (l) + 3CO₂ (g)

In this reaction iron is oxidizing agent because iron itself reduced from + 3 to 0.