which best describes the oxidizing agent in this reaction? cl₂(aq) + 2br⁻(aq) → 2cl⁻(aq) + br₂(aq)\nbromine…

which best describes the oxidizing agent in this reaction? cl₂(aq) + 2br⁻(aq) → 2cl⁻(aq) + br₂(aq)\nbromine (br) is the oxidizing agent because it gains an electron.\nbromine (br) is the oxidizing agent because it loses an electron.\nchlorine (cl) is the oxidizing agent because it gains an electron.\nchlorine (cl) is the oxidizing agent because it loses an electron.

which best describes the oxidizing agent in this reaction? cl₂(aq) + 2br⁻(aq) → 2cl⁻(aq) + br₂(aq)\nbromine (br) is the oxidizing agent because it gains an electron.\nbromine (br) is the oxidizing agent because it loses an electron.\nchlorine (cl) is the oxidizing agent because it gains an electron.\nchlorine (cl) is the oxidizing agent because it loses an electron.

Answer

Explanation:

Step1: Define oxidizing agent

An oxidizing agent is a substance that gains electrons in a redox - reaction and is reduced.

Step2: Analyze the given reaction

In the reaction $\mathrm{Cl}{2}(aq)+2\mathrm{Br}^{-}(aq)\longrightarrow2\mathrm{Cl}^{-}(aq)+\mathrm{Br}{2}(aq)$, chlorine changes from an oxidation state of 0 in $\mathrm{Cl}{2}$ to - 1 in $\mathrm{Cl}^{-}$. Bromine changes from an oxidation state of - 1 in $\mathrm{Br}^{-}$ to 0 in $\mathrm{Br}{2}$.

Step3: Determine the oxidizing agent

Chlorine gains electrons (its oxidation state decreases), so chlorine ($\mathrm{Cl}$) is the oxidizing agent because it gains an electron.

Answer:

Chlorine (Cl) is the oxidizing agent because it gains an electron.