which describes the oxidizing agent in a chemical reaction?\n○ the substance that is oxidized because it…

which describes the oxidizing agent in a chemical reaction?\n○ the substance that is oxidized because it loses electrons\n○ the substance that is reduced because it loses electrons\n○ the substance that is oxidized because it gains electrons\n○ the substance that is reduced because it gains electrons

which describes the oxidizing agent in a chemical reaction?\n○ the substance that is oxidized because it loses electrons\n○ the substance that is reduced because it loses electrons\n○ the substance that is oxidized because it gains electrons\n○ the substance that is reduced because it gains electrons

Answer

Brief Explanations:

To determine the oxidizing agent, we use the concepts of oxidation (loss of electrons) and reduction (gain of electrons) in redox reactions. An oxidizing agent causes another substance to be oxidized (lose electrons) and in the process, the oxidizing agent itself is reduced (gains electrons). Let's analyze each option:

  • First option: The substance oxidized (loses electrons) is the reducing agent, not the oxidizing agent. Eliminate.
  • Second option: A substance that is reduced gains electrons (not loses), so this is incorrect. Eliminate.
  • Third option: Oxidation is loss of electrons, so a substance oxidized can't gain electrons. Eliminate.
  • Fourth option: The oxidizing agent is reduced (since it causes oxidation in another substance) and reduction involves gaining electrons. This matches the definition.

Answer:

the substance that is reduced because it gains electrons