Final answer:
In the given chemical equation, A loses an electron to form A- and B gains an electron to become B+. The species that gets reduced (gains electrons) is the oxidizing agent, as it facilitates the oxidation of the other species. Therefore, the correct answer is b) B is the oxidizing agent in this reaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of determining the oxidizing agent involves recognizing the substance that gets reduced, indicating its role in facilitating the reduction (gain of electrons) of the other substance. In this equation, B is reduced as it gains an electron, suggesting that it acts as the oxidizing agent by facilitating the oxidation of A to A-.
Understanding oxidation and reduction is crucial in identifying the oxidizing and reducing agents in a chemical reaction. In this equation, the electron transfer from A to B implies that B is the species causing the oxidation of A, making B the oxidizing agent.
This fundamental principle helps distinguish the roles of different species in chemical reactions, aiding in predicting reaction behavior and outcomes. Therefore, the correct answer is b) B is the oxidizing agent in this reaction.