Question

In the following reactions first Identify the substance that is oxidized and the one that is reduced. Then identify the oxidizing and reducing agents.

A. 2Li(s)+ F2(g) --> 2LiF(s)
B. Fe(s) + CuSO4(aq) --> FeSO4(aq)+ Cu(s)

Answer 1

A) In a, both the Li and the F start out with a neutral charge. When they react, the Li becomes positive and the F becomes negative. Becoming positive means losing electrons. Becoming negative means gaining electrons.
So the Li is oxidized and the F is reduced.
when you become negative you gain electrons=reduction
The atom that causes the reduction is the reducing agent, so since the Li caused the F to be reduced it is the reducing agent.And vice versa. The F is the oxidizing agent.
B) Fe is oxidized, but the element that is reduced is Cu.The charge must change for it to be oxidized or reduced.The SO4 is -2 the whole time.Fe is the reducing agent and Cu is the oxidizing agent.Whatever is oxidized is the reducing agent, and whatever is reduced is the oxidizing agent.