Question

Which species is the oxidizing agent in the following equation? Hint: the oxidizing agent accepts the electrons in an electron transfer reaction.

K + O2 ---> KO2

a. K

b. O2

c. KO2

d. This is not an oxidation-reduction reaction

Answer 1

Answer:
`O_2` acts as oxidizing agent.

Step-by-step explanation:

Oxidation reaction : When there is an increase in oxidation state number.

Reduction reaction : when there is a decrease in oxidation state number.

`K+O_2\rightarrow KO_2`

Potassium metal has undergone oxidation, as its oxidation state is changing from 0 to +1. Potassium metal is getting converted into potassium ions.

Oxygen
`O_2` has undergone reduction, as its oxidation state is changing from 0 to -1.

The chemical agent which itself get oxidized and reduce others is called reducing agent and the chemical agent which itself get reduced and oxidizes others is called oxidising agent. Thus
`O_2` acts as oxidizing agent.