Question

In a reaction, a reducing agent A. gains electrons. B. causes the oxidation of another compound. C. is reduced in a reaction. D. is a spectator ion. E. lowers the oxidation number of an atom in another compound.

Answer 1

The reducing agent in a redox reaction donates electrons, causing the oxidation of another compound and itself being oxidized. Therefore, the correct answer is option B. causes the oxidation of another compound.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a redox reaction, the reducing agent is a substance that causes reduction by donating electrons. The key function of a reducing agent is option B, as it causes the oxidation of another compound by losing electrons itself. As a result, the reducing agent is itself oxidized in the chemical reaction. To give you an example, in the reaction Zn (s) + S (s) → ZnS (s), zinc is the reducing agent because it gives up electrons to sulfur.

Moreover, as the reducing agent donates electrons, it indirectly causes the oxidation number of the atoms in the other compound to increase. It is also true that the reducing agent itself will undergo an increase in oxidation number, which is synonymous with the loss of electrons.

Answer 2

The correct answer is option E.

Step-by-step explanation:

Reducing agents are defined as the agents which reduces the other substance and itself gets oxidized. These agents undergoes reduction reactions

Reduction reaction is defined as the reaction in which an atom gains electrons. Here, the oxidation state of the atom decreases or lowers.

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

Oxidizing agents are defined as the agents which oxidize other substance and itself gets reduced. These agents undergoes reduction reactions.

Oxidation reaction is defined as the reaction in which an atom looses its electrons. Here, oxidation state of the atom increases or highers.

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