Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
In an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction, electrons are transferred from one substance to another. There are two key components that are essential in a redox reaction:
An oxidizing agent (or oxidant): This is the substance that accepts electrons and becomes reduced during the reaction. The oxidizing agent is responsible for causing oxidation in the other substance involved in the reaction.
A reducing agent (or reductant): This is the substance that donates electrons and becomes oxidized during the reaction. The reducing agent is responsible for causing reduction in the other substance involved in the reaction.
In a redox reaction, the reducing agent is oxidized and loses electrons, while the oxidizing agent is reduced and gains electrons. The transfer of electrons from one substance to another is what drives the reaction and leads to the formation of new products.
For example, consider the reaction between magnesium metal (Mg) and oxygen gas (O2) to form magnesium oxide (MgO):
2Mg + O2 → 2MgO
In this reaction, magnesium metal is oxidized (loses electrons) and oxygen gas is reduced (gains electrons). Magnesium is the reducing agent, while oxygen is the oxidizing agent.