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Reducing agent in the following reaction 4Al+ 3O2 = 2Al2O3

User Starhusker
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Answer: O2 is the reducing agent

Explanation: When you are adding oxygen, you are oxidizing. So O2 is the reducing agent because Aluminum loses electrons and becomes positive in charge and O2 gains electrons and becomes negative in charge. Aluminum is oxidized and oxygen is reduced, therefore the oxygen is the reducing agent. Remember oxidation cannot occur in isolation. There is another process going on when something is oxidized and that process is reduction.

User Heedfull
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