Chapter 18, Problem 17A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The change in electrons (accept or donate) for oxidizing and reducing agent needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction: A Redox reaction leads to oxidation and reduction processes simultaneously.

Oxidation and reduction reactions are the processes involved in loss or gain of electron/s.

Oxidation is the process that is involved in the loss of electrons and oxidized to cation whereas reduction is the process that is involved in the gain of electrons and reduced to anion.

Answer to Problem 17A

Oxidizing agent − Reduce − Electron accept

Reducing agent − oxidize − Electron donate

Explanation of Solution

Redox reactions are combination of reduction and oxidation process.

The substance, which is oxidized (oxidation state increases) is called as reducing agent. If oxidation state increases it means element will donate electrons that will increase positive charge on atom.

On the contrary, the substance, which gets reduce (oxidation state decrease), is called as oxidizing agent. If oxidation state decreases it means element will accept electrons that will increase negative charge on atom.

Conclusion

Oxidizing agent − Reduce − Electron accept

Reducing agent − oxidize − Electron donate