Chapter 21, Problem 12RQ

What is the difference between an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent?

To determine

The difference between an oxidizing agent and the reducing agent.

Answer to Problem 12RQ

The difference between an oxidizing agent and the reducing agent is that oxidizing agent oxidizes other reactants while the reducing agent reduces other reactants.

Explanation of Solution

The oxidizing agents are the reactant which oxidizes the other reactant. It gets reduced in this process. The oxidizing agent oxidizes other reactants by accepting electrons from that reactant. It gets reduced itself as it accepts electrons from another reactant.

The reducing agents are the reactant which reduces the other reactant. It gets oxidized in this process. The reducing agent reduces other reactants by donating electrons to that reactant. It gets oxidized itself as it donates electrons to other reactants.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the difference between an oxidizing agent and the reducing agent is that oxidizing agent oxidizes other reactants while the reducing agent reduces other reactants.