Question

What is the reducing agent in the following reaction?

2Na + 2H2O → 2NaOH + H2

Answer 1

Na is the reducing agent since it is being oxidized

Answer 2

Answer:
`Na`

Step-by-step explanation:

Oxidation reaction : When there is a loss of electrons and thus an increase in oxidation number.

`M\rightarrow M^(n+)+ne^-`

Reduction reaction : when there is a gain of electrons and thus a decrease in oxidation number.

`M^(n+)+ne^-\rightarrow M`

Sodium metal has gone under oxidation, as its oxidation state is changing from 0 in
`Na` to +1 in
`NaOH`

`H^+` ion has gone under reduction, as its oxidation state is changing from +1 in
`H^+` to 0 in
`H_2`

Those chemical agents which get oxidized itself and reduce others is called reducing agents. Thus
`Na` is a reducing agent here.